Chinese official: China to continue in-depth exchanges with ASEAN countries

China will continue in-depth exchanges, mutual learning, and practical cooperation with ASEAN countries in future, said Chen Zhigang, vice minister of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development of China (LGOP).

Chen Zhigang, vice minister of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development of China (LGOP)

He made the remarks at the 12th China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction Wednesday in Manila, Philippines. The forum aims tostrengthen China-ASEAN cooperation by discussing issues like rural rejuvenation, rural-urban poverty linkages and trade liberalization.

According to Chen, more than 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty in China over the past 40 years.

He added that China hasmade "decisive progress” in improving living standards of the impoverished population. The average annual disposable income per capita of rural residents in poverty-stricken areas has increased by 10.4%, and the gap with the national average has further narrowed.

According to Chen, there are stillchallenges in poverty reduction in China. At present, there are still more than 30 million impoverished rural residents and more than 700 impoverished counties in China.

“Eliminating poverty is the common goal of human development,” he said.“China is willing to further consolidate and expand the basis for exchange and cooperation.”