China Pledges Sufficient Funding Support for Poverty Alleviation in Epidemic-Hit Regions

BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities on Tuesday pledged to ensure sufficient funding support for poverty alleviation work in epidemic-hit regions to secure a final victory in the tough battle against poverty.

The central poverty alleviation funding should moderately favor regions and projects impacted by the novel coronavirus outbreak, said a circular issued by the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development and the Ministry of Finance.

The circular ordered local governments to tailor support policies for poverty relief works in epidemic-hit regions in accordance with local situations, with priorities going to industrial projects, employment and the well-being of the poor.

Efforts should be made to back poverty-relieving industrial projects in terms of production, storage, transportation and sales via means including subsidies, loans with discounted interest rates and rewards to poverty-stricken households who have resumed work.

Support should also go to creating jobs, subsidizing the impoverished seeking jobs in other regions as migrant workers and providing assistance to those slipping back into poverty or whose life has become difficult due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the circular said.

This year marks the last year for China to win the battle against poverty and achieve its goal of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

(Source: Xinhua)