As Kyrgyzstan intensifies its efforts to combat poverty and boost economic growth, the country is turning its attention to a remarkable success story just beyond its borders-China’s unprecedented achievement in eradicating absolute poverty.
Poverty remains one of the most urgent and widespread challenges facing humanity, a persistent struggle throughout history that continues driving global development efforts, The Caspian Post informs via Kyrgyz media.
The aspiration to overcome poverty and improve living conditions has long motivated societies worldwide.
In this context, the remarkable experience of the People’s Republic of China-where absolute poverty has been virtually eradicated-provides valuable insights for many developing nations, including Kyrgyzstan. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to Kyrgyzstan, Liu Jiangping, recently shared China’s journey and its implications.
The Chinese Miracle: From Extreme Poverty to Complete Eradication
China, the world’s most populous developing nation with 1.4 billion people, endured widespread extreme poverty following the country’s founding in 1949. At that time, per capita income stood at just $27, far below the Asian average of $44, with rural areas hardest hit.
Poverty alleviation has long been a top priority for the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China. Through decades of dedicated efforts, China announced a historic victory over absolute poverty by the end of 2020-an unprecedented achievement in human history.
World Bank data highlights the scale of this success: since the 1978 reform and opening-up policy, over 800 million Chinese citizens have risen above the international poverty line, representing nearly 70 per cent of the global reduction in poverty during this period.
Following the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, President Xi Jinping elevated poverty eradication to a national imperative. The implementation of a “targeted assistance and poverty eradication” strategy lifted over 10 million people out of poverty annually. By 2020, nearly 99 million rural residents had escaped poverty, with hundreds of counties and thousands of villages officially removed from poverty lists. Notably, all 28 recognized national minorities also achieved poverty elimination.
China’s success allowed it to meet the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on poverty eradication a full decade early. The country has since shifted focus to comprehensive rural revitalization, promoting balanced urban and rural development and prioritizing agriculture and rural communities.
Core Principles Behind China’s Poverty Reduction Achievements
People-Centered Development:
China mobilized enormous financial and human resources, including 1.6 trillion yuan in special funds and 9.2 trillion yuan in targeted loans, deploying over 3 million personnel to improve living standards, education, healthcare, and housing.
Targeted Assistance:
A scientific and data-driven approach was used to identify poverty accurately and tailor solutions. More than 255,000 working groups and millions of grassroots workers monitored progress rigorously. Strategies included promoting local agriculture, voluntary resettlement from inhospitable areas, and expanding social security and education.
Empowering Self-Reliance:
Beyond financial aid, China encouraged independence through skills training, job creation, and work-based incentives, fostering sustainable livelihoods rather than dependency.
China’s Global Commitment and Central Asian Cooperation
China’s efforts extend globally, supporting nearly 170 countries over the past seven decades through social development initiatives in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The Belt and Road Initiative has attracted nearly one trillion dollars in investments and helped 40 million people escape poverty. Other efforts, such as the Global Development Initiative and South-South Cooperation Fund, promote sustainable growth worldwide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has recognized China as the leading contributor to global poverty reduction over the past decade.
China’s partnership with Central Asia remains strong. In 2023, a China-Uzbekistan Subcommittee on Poverty Reduction was formed, and in July 2025, the China-Central Asia Poverty Reduction Center was launched in Urumqi to foster regional cooperation and shared learning.
Kyrgyzstan and China: Strengthening Ties in Poverty Reduction
Kyrgyzstan and China maintain a close relationship as neighbors and development partners. China has supported key infrastructure and social projects in Kyrgyzstan, including highways, power lines, railways, irrigation systems, and educational and healthcare facilities.
Kyrgyzstan itself has pursued active poverty reduction policies like the Social Contract Project and My Home housing initiative. These efforts have yielded progress: in 2024, the poverty rate dropped to 25.7 per cent, a 4.1 percentage point improvement over the previous year, with per capita income rising 16.5 per cent and pensions increasing.
China is committed to deepening collaboration with Kyrgyzstan on poverty alleviation and sustainable development, aiming to build a shared future free of poverty.
Conclusion
As Kyrgyzstan strives toward sustainable development, learning from China’s successful poverty alleviation experience will be crucial. China’s model demonstrates the power of coordinated strategy, targeted assistance, and empowering individuals, offering both inspiration and practical guidance for building a prosperous and equitable future.
