Imran Khan calls China role model for developing countries in poverty alleviation
PM Imran Khan praised China for being a “role model” for developing countries in poverty alleviation. In a video message on the 20th anniversary of Juncao Assistance and Sustainable Development Cooperation, the premier said: China is a role model for developing states in poverty alleviation. China’s extraordinary growth has brought 800 million people out of poverty over the past 4-decade. He said the world at large, but mainly the worldwide South, was grappling with multiple challenges counting climate change, poverty and food insecurity. Imran Khan added that severe poverty had been steadily declining over the past 2-decade because of relentless attempts. “However, Covid-19 pandemic triggered an economic meltdown which has slowed down global progress. According to the Economic survey of Pakistan, Pakistan, being the 5th most populous country and having 9th largest labour force in the world, adds a large number to its labour force every year. Pakistan’s labour market data has been derived from the latest available round of the Labour Force Survey (LFS) for 2017-18. The data pertaining to 2018-19 round of the LFS has not been released yet. Moreover, Labour Force Survey for 2019-2020 did not take place due to preparations for an extensive survey in 2020-21, which will have a district level representative sample.
Extreme poverty increased in 2020 for the first time in over 20-year. Thus, the achievement of food security and improved nutrition has become an even “greater challenge” for developing countries, he said. Sustainable ways of attaining economic recovery, growth and development are critical during the pandemic. He commended China for sharing the Juncao technology with over 100 states, saying it had already benefited thousands of people across the continents over the past 20 years. The premier said China’s leadership and role in tackling climate change were also appreciable and commended President Xi Jinping’s vision of a “prosperous, clean and beautiful world”.
He added that tackling poverty and climate change were among the main priorities of the government of Pakistan. Commenting on the initiatives introduced under the Ehsaas social safety programme, he said that the schemes focused on uplifting marginalised people, eradicating poverty and supporting vulnerable households and had cushioned people from economic shocks during the pandemic. Initiatives like the government’s National Poverty Graduation Programme could play a vital role in collaboration with the Juncao technology, the premier said. PM Imran Khan said he was strongly resolved and committed to international cooperation aimed at poverty alleviation, sustainable growth and addressing climate change.