Qinglong county in Qianxinnan Bouyi and Miao autonomous region, is home to some of the most impoverished people in the country. However, thanks to Jiang Shikun, its former Party secretary, the county has made great achievements in fighting poverty.

During his tenure, from 2010 to 2016, Jiang worked tirelessly to alleviate poverty in the county. It was under Jiang's guidance that the county underwent rapid urban expansion, the “Qinglong Model” of poverty alleviation paid dividends, and a small tourism industry experienced fast growth and now plays a major part in the local economy. Statistics show that during the implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan from 2011 to 2015, the number of people classed as living in poverty in the county was cut by 86,000, and the urbanization rate reached 33 percent, compared to 23.5 percent in 2011.

However, the extraordinary changes required in the county brought with it a heavy workload, which took its toll on the late secretary’s health. A cardiac arrest took his life on April 12.

“Secretary Jiang travelled nearly 90,000 kilometers each year to investigate the county's development and paid numerous visits to impoverished households. He finally broke down from constant work day and night,” said Zhu Lijia, who had been Jiang's driver for six years.

Qinglong people now live a much better life compared with five years ago. Their beloved Party secretary might no longer be with them, but his selfless dedication to them will stay with them.

Edited by James Skinner