China inspires Africa in poverty reduction: Mauritius

The Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference is held in Balaclava, Mauritius on September 6, 2017. [Photo: people.com.cn]

Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth on Wednesday hailed China's exemplary role in poverty reduction with remarkable economic development. 

Jugnauth made the remarks at the annual Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference held in Balaclava, Mauritius. 

In his address, Jugnauth highlighted China's achievement in lifting more than 700 people out of poverty over the past four decades. 

"China is an outstanding example of how a country can achieve significant drop in poverty with improved economic performance," he said. 

Jugnauth pointed out that the conference brings new hope for African countries in their endeavors to reduce poverty, and he appealed to all participants from China and Africa to pledge for the sharing of knowledge, experience and best practices to materialize Africa Agenda 2063. 

Zhou Yuxiao, a Chinese ambassador, said that China is willing to share its wisdom in poverty reduction and work with African countries to dovetail China's Belt and Road Initiative with Africa Agenda 2063 in order to achieve mutual prosperity. 

"China has set the year 2020 as the deadline for eliminating its absolute poverty, 10 years ahead of the UN goal which is set at 2030 in the Agenda for Sustainable Development. I hope it will serve as an inspiration and encouragement for all of us who are fighting for poverty reduction and elimination," Zhou said in his address. 

Sally Chikuta, a senior officer from Zambia's Agriculture Ministry, said the Chinese model in the fight against poverty alleviation can be replicated in many African countries. 

The two-day conference gathered government officials and experts from China and 12 African countries to discuss poverty reduction challenges.