The southwest province of Yunnan in China saw a significant drop in poverty rates within the 2012-2018 period, the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics revealed. Poverty head counts were also reduced significantly, raising hopes for a stronger, more resilient economy in the region.
According to a Xinhua report on Sunday, Yunnan reduced its poverty rate from 8.04 million to 1.79 million within the six-year period, the NBS revealed. The latest survey further revealed that the poverty headcount ratio saw a significant drop from 21.7 percent to 4.8 percent as of last year.
The report attributed the poverty alleviation in Yunnan Province to the government's efforts in providing relief measures to poor regions. Some of these measures include allowances to the elderly and those who suffer from certain health conditions, as well as a boost in developing sectors.
Aside from poverty rates being reduced significantly over the past six years, Yunnan also managed to increase per capita consumption among rural residents in the poverty-stricken regions.
As of year-end 2018, a total of 6.25 million people in the Yunnan area have been alleviated from poverty. Local governments are encouraging other rural regions in China to adopt the measures Yunnan utilized to help drive residents out of poverty.
The government continues to work with big companies and relevant organizations to help provide options for poor Chinese communities to find a living. Among the firms that have helped reduce poverty in China is online retail giant Alibaba.
According to the latest report from the Alibaba Poverty Relief Fund, sales from some of China's poverty-stricken provinces such as Nanning and Pingwu increased to make a combined 80 percent hike over the past six months through Alibaba's Tmall and Taobao platforms.
The fund has been helping support agriculture growth in China's regions that Beijing recognizes as poverty-stricken. One of the most popular features that Alibaba's Taobao platform provides for farmers in poor rural regions is Taobao Live.
Through Taobao Live, farmers can stream their activities for potential buyers to see. The feature is also being used to promote the province's produce as a whole. So far, it has helped many farmers gain sales by building trust through livestreaming.
Next month, the seventh China Charity Affair will kick off in Shenzhen, as part of Beijing's efforts in finding ways through which poverty all over the country will be alleviated. During the conference, governments who have successfully reduced poverty will display their methods for other provinces to see.
Charity deals are expected to be sealed during the September event. Hundreds of organizations are also expected to attend the conference to learn more about products and methods that promote poverty alleviation.
