Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan can help reduce rising levels of poverty, particularly in rural areas, by copying the Chinese model.

"A proper policy needs to be framed incorporating the vital planks of the Chinese poverty reduction model to improve the socioeconomic lot of people," stressed Moazzam Ghurki, President of Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI). Talking to WealthPK, he pointed out that China was progressing rapidly, having implemented the poverty reduction model, but Pakistan was still to achieve a sustainable livelihood for its people. "There is a need to bring awareness about the promotion of cottage industry in rural areas of Pakistan." He also called for broader economic reforms and infrastructure development to improve the living conditions of teeming millions. Ghurki said before tailoring any policy for poverty alleviation, all stakeholders must be involved in a comprehensive analysis of the ground situation. The PCJCCI president said the key factors involved in the success of the Chinese model were honest governance, persistence, and strict checks and balances.

Therefore, he called for the inclusion of these elements in the policy, and then implementing them in the earnest for achieving the desired results.  China achieved poverty alleviation through consistent efforts over the past 70 years. The strategic framing of the multi-sectoral programmes made it possible to get rid of the poverty wave from the rural areas. In Nov 2011, the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China issued a white paper titled "New Progress in Development-oriented Poverty Reduction Program for Rural China", showing the orientation of official steps taken to reduce poverty and bring financial achievements. In April 2021, the State Council Information Office announced that China completed the arduous task of eliminating extreme poverty. In March 2022, China officially released a report titled 'Four Decades of Poverty Reduction in China, a joint publication of the Development Research Centre of the State Council and the World Bank. Three poverty alleviation features were prominent according to this research – targeted support, effective governance, and broad-based economic transformation. 

Chinese poverty alleviation strategies comprehensively addressed the economic levels at both macro and micro scales. Special emphasis was devoted to empowering women and farmers. The Chinese leadership laid out concrete policies to increase financial investment, scientific advancement, social forces' mobilisation and target poverty alleviation. The central government led the poverty alleviation campaign at all levels – province, municipality, county, township, and village. To assess the developments at all the levels, comprehensive systems were established. They all resulted in an exemplary system of large-scale infrastructure, transport modernisation, smart power grids, seamless internet access, and smart connectivity in all economic aspects.  

Credit: INP-WealthPk