China promises greater contribution to global poverty reduction

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said Monday the country will make a greater contribution to global poverty reduction.

"China is an active advocate and strong force for world poverty alleviation," Wang said at a forum.

China will share its experiences and improve collaboration with other countries to push for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said.

After years of work, China is closing in on its goal of achieving a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020, with a baseline task of lifting all people out of poverty. More than 10 million people have been freed from poverty each year since 2012.

As of the end of 2016, there were still 43.35 million people living below the country's poverty line of 2,300 yuan (344 U.S. dollars) in annual income, about 3 percent of the population.

Completing the task will require precise measures, focused on specific areas and groups, Wang said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter of congratulation to the meeting, which gathered more than 200 people, including government officials from 13 countries and representatives of 16 international organizations.