BISHKEK, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The eradication of absolute poverty stands as one of China's most significant socio-economic achievements in recent decades, highlighting its important contribution to international poverty reduction efforts, a Kyrgyz economist said ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
China's success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty within a relatively short period was driven not only by government social support programs but also by large-scale industrialization, improved employment opportunities, and the development of infrastructure, education, and rural areas across the country, said Tolonbek Abdyrov, a professor of economics and vice rector of the International Higher School of Medicine in Kyrgyzstan.
"China's experience demonstrates that poverty cannot be overcome solely through the provision of welfare payments. Rather, it is necessary to create conditions in which people can earn a living on their own and improve their quality of life," he said, adding that this experience holds immense global significance.
"It proves that even in a nation with a vast population and significant regional disparities, a consistent economic policy can substantially transform people's standard of living," the expert noted.
Regarding China's remarkable role in international poverty reduction efforts, he said, "Through the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and cooperation with countries in Africa, Asia and other regions, China is involved in the construction of roads, energy facilities, and industrial plants, as well as the development of agriculture."
According to Abdyrov, China's contribution to global poverty reduction should be measured not simply by the scale of its investments or the number of facilities built, but by how effectively such cooperation enables other countries to develop their own drivers of economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards.
"For Kyrgyzstan, this is particularly relevant. Cooperation with China can help us develop transport corridors, the energy sector, processing industries, and agriculture," he said. ■
