China issues emergency call to help the poor
( 2002-02-07 14:04 ) (8 )

The Chinese government on Wednesday issued an emergency circular calling on local governments to help needy people across the country.

According to the circular, the government office in charge of assisting the poor has urged all relevant local departments to ensure needy people have enough food and clothing especially during the traditional Chinese lunar New Year, which begins on February 12 this year.

To achieve that target, said the circular, local poverty reduction officials and workers should visit poverty-stricken areas village by village and family by family to have a better understanding of the problems facing impoverished people.

The circular says supply of funds and distribution of seeds, chemical fertilizers and other farming materials will help the poor to get ready for spring planting.

There are 30 million people still living in poverty in rural China even though China's rapid economic growth over the past two decades has helped lifted about 200 million people out of poverty.

Most of the 30 million poor people live in remote areas with harsh natural conditions where it is a backbreaking job just to produce enough to eat and wear.

In a commentary issued Wednesday on poverty reduction in China, Xinhua said the issue of poverty alleviation should be placed on the top of the agenda of governments at all levels.

The leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Monday discussed plans to help needy people in China cope with difficult times in both their life and work.