The debates are centered on the exchange of knowledge on these topics and analyze the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic to further advance the programs devised to this end.

In August 2021, China and CELAC held a first meeting on the fight against poverty and development, and the forum is expected to maintain an annual frequency and broaden mutual understanding.

China promoted the initiative after declaring itself free from poverty early last year.

In 2012, the authorities of China launched an ambitious plan that ended in 2021 with the construction of a modestly prosperous society, which aims at ensuring that all citizens live in a dignified manner.

The living conditions of almost 100 million people with low incomes improved during the time-span, and the figure places the number of people who were brought out of poverty, at over 700 million.

The campaign also benefited the country’s 832 poorest rural counties, raising the average net income of its residents to 11,487 yuan a year (nearly 1,740 dollars) above the national line of 4,000 yuan ($571). that measures extreme poverty, thus meeting the goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a decade ahead of schedule.

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