The Chinese government has attached great importance to poverty alleviation, with total relief funding reaching 110 billion yuan, or US$13 billion.

China encourages all members of society to help relieve poverty through encouraging cooperation between east and west China as well as public and private donations.

Improving health care, education and the overall quality of life in poor areas are also part of the central government's plan, which includes Project Hope for the poor students and Project Honor which encourages economic development in poor areas of the country.

By the end of last year, China's poverty-stricken population was thought to be at 29 million, down from 250 million before the reform and opening up period started in 1978.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan congratulated China for its efforts to eliminate poverty and its push to attain the Millennium Development Goals.

(CRI October 18, 2004)