High-ranking officials of the Chinese government pledged to continue working on consolidating and expanding achievements in reducing poverty levels, as well as promoting the revitalization of rural territories.
These officials, including Vice Premier Liu Guozhong and representatives from various ministries and relevant departments, made these statements on Wednesday during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).
Delegates reviewed a report on measures to consolidate and increase achievements in the fight against poverty and promote comprehensive rural development. A joint inspection was also launched at the meeting, attended by Zhao Lezhi, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.
During the meeting, deputies raised several issues concerning the improvement of basic pension insurance for urban and rural residents, the maintenance of industries assisting the poor, increasing the income of people who have escaped poverty, and addressing the problem of aging rural populations.
Liu and other officials carefully listened to the deputies' comments and answered their questions. Liu emphasized that regular support should be incorporated into the rural development strategy, and targeted monitoring and assistance are necessary to prevent mass return or emergence of poverty.
He also called for further development of rural industries, infrastructure, and the management system. The meeting chairman, Wu Weihua, Deputy Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, appealed to the State Council and relevant departments to study and consider the proposals put forward by the deputies and to submit a report on the adopted measures to the NPC Standing Committee in accordance with the law.