The poverty alleviation program in the two villages is being led by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The innovative decision by President Xi Jinping to allocate counties to particular government ministries has borne fruit with the eradication of poverty in Malipo County.
Prime Minister Rabuka was briefed on the two villages’ transformation over the past 32 years, from its former state of poverty to its current development progress, showcasing how agriculture, aquaculture and niche products including traditional foods, weaving and crafts have significantly improved the livelihoods and standard of living of members of the two communities.
Home to more than 200 people, Ping'anpo boasts a lush environment with modern agricultural development techniques and community projects for sustainable livelihoods.
In Nanyou Village, the villagers are actively involved in the development of rural tourism, aquaculture, entertainment and leisure agriculture and traditional embroidery products among other income-generating activities for improved livelihoods.
Prime Minister Rabuka said he was impressed with China’s poverty alleviation strategies, highlighting that Fiji has much to learn from China's success in improving the lives of millions of people.
The PM said Fiji stands to benefit from China’s technological innovation and sustainable practices to improve livelihoods, ensure food security, productivity, and economic diversification.
By adopting these practices, Fiji could accelerate its own efforts to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable rural development.
“Fiji is also committed to reducing poverty, and China's approach to rural development and poverty eradication in Malipo County in Yunnan Province serves as an inspiring model,” he said.
“These strategies were introduced in Malipo county in 1992 when I started my first term as Prime Minister of Fiji. Now that I am back in office, it's indeed an eye opener, in the sense that we thought we were doing our poverty alleviation as well as regional, rural and outer island development programs. But when you look at the scale of improvements in Malipo in the same period, it's really amazing.
“We have a lot to learn, and I have been making a lot of notes since I arrived on how we might be able to turn what people think are "little things" in the villages into "big things" in the provinces and the nation."
In this regard, Prime Minister Rabuka congratulated President Xi for his vision in improving the livelihoods of fellow citizens in poverty-stricken areas.
“I also congratulate Chinese leaders of the past for their concerted efforts and vision to alleviate poverty and raise the standard of living for those people in disadvantaged areas including where minority ethnic groups live,” he concluded.
The Prime Minister and his delegation were later hosted to a dinner by the Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, His Excellency Mr Wang Hao at Wenshan City.
Mr Wang expressed the province of Yunnan’s appreciation to the Prime Minister, adding that they look forward to future collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Malipo County marks the first ever visit by a Pacific leader to the county.
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