Xi's Shanxi tour steps up war on poverty

President Xi Jinping (2nd L front) visits the poverty-stricken family of Cao Liuren (1st L) in Zhaojiawa village of Kelan county in Xinzhou city, North China's Shanxi province, June 21, 2017. Xi had an inspection tour in Shanxi Wednesday.[Photo/Xinhua]

A FOE THAT CAN BE DEFEATED

By 2020 people in rural areas should have no more worries about food and clothing, be guaranteed education, basic medical care and housing. Disposable income will increase faster than the national average. All the rural population will rise above the poverty line.

The government should focus more on the poorest areas in terms of funds and programs. Public services, infrastructure and medical care must be guaranteed, Xi told the symposium attended by Party chiefs of Qinghai, Shanxi and Yunnan, as well as the Tibet autonomous region and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Party chiefs of some poverty-stricken prefectures, cities and counties also attended to report on their progress.

Xi talked about developing industries that benefit people in the poorest areas. Transportation, water resources and ecological protection should engage as many poor people as possible.

The rich east of the country and central government departments must do more, he said, adding that efforts should be made to prevent corruption and fraud.

"As long as we pay great attention, think correctly, take effective measures and work in a down to earth way, abject poverty is absolutely conquerable," Xi said.