Poverty alleviation work continues despite outbreak

China's determination to achieve its goal of poverty elimination remains unwavering despite the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to Liu Yongfu, director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.

"The country has been gradually fighting the impact of the epidemic on its poverty alleviation work," Liu said at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office on Monday, adding poverty relief goals and tasks will remain unchanged, as will the current standards.

To date, more than 95 percent of migrant workers from poverty-stricken areas have returned to their jobs, and about 82 percent of poverty-relief projects had resumed operations, he said.

As poverty alleviation tasks near completion, local governments are urged to speed up efforts in lifting the remaining 52 poor counties and 1,113 villages out of poverty and securing their access to compulsory education, basic medical services and safe housing, he said.

To assist the employment of 28 million impoverished migrant workers, Liu noted the country will prioritize employment support for the poor laborers.

China will further promote poverty alleviation through e-commerce and production-marketing integration, as well as encourage enterprises, organizations and people to purchase poverty alleviation products through both online and offline channels, he said.

The country will also enhance monitoring of impoverished households who have difficulty shaking off poverty and take targeted assistance measures in advance by offering loans, skill training and employment support for those who have working ability, and comprehensive social security guarantees for those who don't, he added.