The second quarter of 2012 quarterly

Highlights





“International Cooperation on Poverty Reduction in the Context of the MDGs” Side Meeting Held in Rio

　　On June 18, 2012, prior to the opening of the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development, LGOP in cooperation with the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger (MDS), UNDP and GIZ held a Rio+20 side meeting on the elimination of poverty in Rio, Brazil. More than 200 delegates from China, Brazil, UNDP and GIZ participated in the meeting. The theme of the event was “International Cooperation on Poverty Reduction in the Context of the MDGs”, with three topics for discussion: “Overview of Poverty Reduction Strategies of China and Brazil”, “International Exchanges and Cooperation on Poverty Reduction”, and “Escape the Strange Cycle of Poverty, Disasters and Environmental Degradation – Major Findings of the China-Germany Technical Cooperation Projects for Post-Disaster Economic Restoration”.
　　Du Ying, Chairman of the Chinese Preparatory Committee of the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development and Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), together with Tiago, Brazilian Secretary of State for poverty reduction affairs, attended the first session of the meeting and delivered their opening address. Deputy Minister Zheng Wenkai of LGOP chaired the event. Then, the Chinese and Brazilian representatives introduced the poverty reduction strategies of their own countries, and signed the Action Plan for Cooperation between LGOP and MDS on Overcoming Extreme Poverty (2012-2014). Through the event, the two sides not only promoted mutual exchanges of information and sharing of experience, but also established an action plan for bilateral cooperation on poverty reduction in the next three years, which will significantly drive both countries to advance their exchanges and cooperation in the field of poverty reduction.

　　The second session was themed on international exchange and cooperation on poverty reduction. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Radhika Lal, Deputy Director of the UNDP International Policy Center for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG). LGOP Deputy Minister Mr. Zheng Wenkai and UNDP Director for Environmental Finance Mr. Yannick Glemarec made the opening remarks. The LGOP and UNDP representatives delivered keynote speeches and made comments.
　　Themed on “Escape the Strange Cycle of Poverty, Disasters and Environmental Degradation”, the third session was chaired by Mr. Thomas, GIZ China Representative Office Project Manager. LGOP Deputy Minister Zheng Wenkai and GIZ Executive Director Christopher Bell made the opening remarks. Mr. Huang Chengwei, IPRCC Acting Director General, and Mr. Graham Meadows, former Director General of Regional Policy of the European Commission,delivered keynote speeches, respectively.
　　This side event was aimed to demonstrate China’s achievements, experience and future strategies in the area of poverty reduction and development, further illustrate to the international community the development of and challenges faced by the world poverty reduction cause, and called for the world to join hands to further strengthen the exchange and cooperation on poverty reduction and share the experience; meanwhile, the event directly echoed the theme of this year’s U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development, further emphasizing that the elimination of poverty is one of the basic preconditions of developing green economy. The MDGs should be the major metrics of the development of green economy, and the world not only needs green economy, but also needs to eliminate poverty more than ever.



Speech by IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei at the Rio+20 Side Event on“International Exchanges and Cooperation on Poverty Reduction”



　　On June 18 , 2012, LGOP, in cooperation with the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger (MDS), UNDP and GIZ, held a Rio+20 themed side event on the elimination of poverty in Rio, Brazil. The second session was themed on “International Exchanges and Cooperation on Poverty Reduction”. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Radhika Lal, Deputy Director of the UNDP International Policy Center for Inclusive Growth (IPC- IG). LGOP Deputy Minister Mr. Zheng Wenkai and UNDP Director for Environmental Finance Mr. Yannick Glemarec made the opening remarks. The LGOP and UNDP representatives delivered keynote speeches and made comments.

　　Mr. Huang Chengwei, Acting Director General of IPRCC, was invited to give a speech. He pointed out that, from a global perspective, the progress made on the MDGs is unbalanced and there will be many new challenges remaining ahead, so it is necessary to enhance international exchanges and cooperation on poverty reduction. How to better facilitate international cooperation on poverty reduction? By taking the case of IPRCC’s practical experience in this respect for example, Huang put forward five suggestions: first, developing more effective training programs on poverty reduction; second, conducting more fruitful international exchanges in poverty reduction; third, stepping up international cooperation on poverty reduction research; fourth, exploring and practicing new patterns for poverty reduction cooperation; and fifth, facilitating a platform for knowledge sharing.

Speech by IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei at the Rio+20 Side Event on“Escaping the Strange Cycle of Poverty, Disasters and Environmental Degradation”



　　On June 18, 2012, LGOP and GIZ co-hosted a side event of Rio+20 on “Escaping the Strange Cycle of Poverty, Disasters and Environmental Degradation” in the Athletes’ Village, Rio. This session was an integral part of the side event of the “International Cooperation on Poverty Reduction in the Context of the MDGs” jointly held by LGOP, the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger (MDS), and relevant international organizations. The session was chaired by Mr. Thomas, GIZ China Representative Office Project Manager. LGOP Deputy Minister Zheng Wenkai and GIZ Executive Director Christopher Bell made the opening remarks. Mr. Huang Chengwei, Acting Director General of IPRCC, and Mr. Graham Meadows, former Director General of Regional Policy of the European Commission, delivered keynote speeches, respectively.

　　In his speech, Acting Director General Huang took a brief overview on the implementation progress and preliminary achievement of the China-Germany technical cooperation projects for post-disaster economic restoration: firstly, new ideas concerning post-disaster restoration and long-term reconstruction were developed, with special focus on long-term economic reconstruction and well combination between risk management and poverty reduction strategies; secondly, studies on regional poverty reduction strategies were conducted to support regional planning; thirdly, green development conception was included in development-oriented poverty reduction; and fourthly, some new concepts about international development, especially EU regional development were brought in.



LGOP Delegation to Brazil Visited a Slum in Rio



　　On June 19, 2012, during the interval of attending the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), through the arrangement of GIZ, a delegation headed by LGOP Deputy Minister Zheng Wenkai went to Brazil and visited Cantagalo Slum located in the center of Rio, allowing the members of the delegation to have an intuitive understanding of the life in slums. Then, at the office of Museu de Favela (Slum Museum), the delegation learned the detailed information of Cantagalo Slum’s formation and development history, as well as Museu de Favela’s organizational structure, operation mode and development achievements.

　　Through this detailed visit to slums, the members of the delegation obtained an in-depth understanding of the inevitability of slum’s emergence and the policies and the measures taken by the Brazilian government for improving slums, and produced more ideas on how to avoid the problem of slums in the process of urbanization. 



LGOP Deputy Minister Zheng Wenkai Met with GIZ Representatives



　　On May 30, 2012, Mr. Zheng Wenkai, Deputy Minister of LGOP met with a visiting GIZ delegation headed by Senior Project Manager Thomas. Zheng began by reviewing the fruitful cooperation between LGOP and GIZ over the years. Then, he briefly introduced China’s development-oriented poverty alleviation in the new era, pointing out that, with the rise of poverty line, the task and targets in the course of poverty alleviation changed as well, and China is ready to draw upon the experience of developed countries in coping with the imbalanced development while entering into a certain stage of development.

　　Thomas said that GIZ has been attaching great importance to the cooperation with LGOP. The cooperative context has been developing over the past few years from traditionally one-way assistance to mutual learning, and further getting a third party involved in the cooperation. Thomas expressed his willingness to strengthen the cooperation with LGOP and explore new approaches to collaboration. The two sides also discussed issues related to jointly hosting seminars during United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.
　　Mr. Liu Shuwen, Deputy Director General of Department of International Cooperation and Social Mobilization of LGOP, Mr. Huang Chengwei, IPRCC Acting Director General, and relevant personnel from IPRCC’s Cooperation Division attended the meeting as well.



Major News & Information



IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with a UNDP Delegation Headed by Hou Xin’an



　　On April 6, 2012, Mr. Huang Chengwei, IPRCC Acting Director General met with a 4-people delegation headed by Hou Xin’an, Assistant Country Director of UNDP China. Mr. Lu Liqun, Director of the General Affairs Division, together with the relevant representatives of the Research Division and the Exchange Division also attended the meeting. Both sides had an in-depth exchange of views on issues such as Tajikistan delegation visiting China and the preparations for the three major forums in 2012.



IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with Official of the Brazilian Embassy to China



　　On April 12, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Mr. Huang Chengwei met with a delegation headed by Ms. Carolina El Debs, First Secretary of the Brazilian Embassy to China. The relevant staff from the Exchange Division of IPRCC also attended the meeting.

　　Huang briefed Ms. El Debs on the organizational structure of China’s poverty reduction system, as well as the achievements and experience of China in poverty reduction over the past thirty years. He also elaborated on the major characteristics of China’s poverty reduction work in the new era. Ms. El Debs spoke highly of the achievements made by China and introduced the poverty reduction policies instituted by the past two Brazilian governments. She indicated that Brazil, as the world’s fifth most populous country, hoped to draw upon China’s experience in poverty reduction.

　　Huang put forward four suggestions concerning future bilateral poverty reduction exchange and cooperation. First, he suggested that the State Council delegates hold the first work meeting with the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development and Fight against Hunger (MDS) and sign a work group action plan during their participation into the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro this June; second, he expected that China could host an international seminar on sustainable development and poverty reduction jointly with the MDS at an appropriate time next year; third, he looked forward to the participation of MDS senior officials as well as their presentations in this year’s 10.17 Forum on poverty reduction and development; and fourth, he suggested that both sides carry out comparative studies on poverty reduction strategies, green development and other subjects. Ms. El Debs agreed with him on these recommendations, and said she would communicate the message to MDS as soon as possible and actively facilitate the related efforts.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with Official of Tajikistan



　　On April 24, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Mr. Huang Chengwei met with a visiting delegation headed by Mr. Eshboev Bahodur, Head of the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation of PRS (Poverty Reduction Strategy), Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan. Ms. Hou Xin’an, Assistant Country Director of UNDP China and the relevant staff from the Exchange Division of IPRCC were also present at the meeting.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Visited the ASEAN-China Centre

　　On April 25, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei visited the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and held talks with Mr. Ma Mingqiang, Secretary-General of the ACC. The relevant staff of the General Affairs Division and Exchange Division of the IPRCC also attended the meeting.

　　Huang briefly introduced the establishment background, organizational framework and major functions of the IPRCC, as well as the preliminary work achievement and influence since its establishment. He also expressed his willingness to get suggested from the ACC regarding the preparation of the 6th China-Asian Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction to be held this year, and how to promote the exchange and cooperation with ASEAN countries under the content of poverty reduction.

　　Ma gave full recognition and spoke highly of the achievements made by the IPRCC since its establishment, and emphasized the importance and urgency of well organizing the China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction and strengthening the exchange and cooperation with the ASEAN countries in the field of poverty reduction. He expressed that the ACC would continue to participate in the forum, strengthen cooperation with IPRCC and work together to promote the exchange and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Invited to the 3rd Plenary Session of the 10th Executive Council of CAFIU

　　On May 11, 2012, the 3rd Plenary Session of the 10th Executive Council of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) was held in Beijing. The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), Mr. Zhou Tienong, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang and President of CAFIU, Mr. Li Jinhua, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice President of CAFIU, Mr. Chen Zongxing, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Executive Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party and Vice President of CAFIU, Mr. Wang Jiarui, Head of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as well as the Council members of CAFIU.

　　As a member unit of BoT of IPRCC, CAFIU has rendered strong support for IPRCC’s work, particularly at the 5th China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction held last year, where Vice Chairman Li Jinhua was invited to attend and address the opening ceremony, which lifted the standard and expanded the influence of the forum. The role of CAFIU has been fully reflected in the work report delivered by Deputy Head Li Jinjun.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei attended the whole meeting and was co-opted as a member of the 10th Executive Council of CAFIU.

IPRCC Held the 9th Seminar Series on “The Latest in Development Studies”



　　On May 17, 2012, IPRCC held the 9th (2nd in 2012) Seminar Series on “The Latest in Development Studies”. James Putzel, Professor of Development Studies at the Department of International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK, was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled Reflections on China’s Growing Role in International Development. Dr. Cheng Enjiang, IPRCC Chief Research Coordinator, chaired the seminar and more than 60 representatives from LGOP and its direct affiliates, embassies of various countries to China, and international organizations and universities turned out. After the keynote speech, Professor Putzel had in-depth discussions with the audience.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Visited China-Tanzania Community Development Demonstration Learning Project



　　During May 26 to 27, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei led a Working Group to Peiyapeiya Village in Morogoro, Tanzania to visit the Community Development Demonstration Learning Project implemented by the IPRCC. After observed the cornfield planted by the demonstration project households, the delegation arrived at the IPRCC-aided Peiyapeiya Community Service Center, had talks with the administrative staff at the township and village levels and local villagers as well. Acting Director General Huang Chengwei attempted to get their suggestions and needs regarding the Demonstration Learning Project. Huang expressed that “due to my stay in this beautiful Peiyapeiya, I found that the village boasts its comparative advantages for agricultural development, and people’s desire for a better life through their efforts re-assured our confidence to jointly launch a series of projects here. I believe that if everyone can take the responsibility, with the support of the governments of both countries, we are able to build your home a better place.” Huang also expressed his good wish that in the future, all families can live in a place as good as the Community Service Center. Later on, companied by the leaders from Tanzania Company affiliated to China-Africa Agriculture Investment Co., Ltd., Mr. Huang led the delegation to pay a visit to the sisal hemp farm and processing plant in Peiyapeiya Village implemented by China-Africa Agriculture Investment Co., Ltd.



IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania

　　On May 25, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Mr. Huang Chengwei met with Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Mr. Lü Youqing in Dar es Salaam. Relevant personnel from the Policy Research Office of the Chinese Embassy to Tanzania and IPRCC’s Cooperation Division attended the meeting.

　　Acting Director General Huang introduced the ambassador the exchange and cooperation activities in poverty reduction between the IPRCC and Tanzania over the past few years. He also talked about the 3rd Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference to be held in Tanzania in late July, LGOP leaders’ visit to Tanzania and other issues. Ambassador Lü said that it is necessary for China and Tanzania to carry out exchanges and cooperation in poverty reduction. Tanzania has the advantage in its natural geographic conditions though its agricultural development has lagged behind for a long time with prominent poor conditions in rural areas. China and Tanzania are both developing countries, so introducing China’s successful experience in rural poverty alleviation and development and agricultural modernization to Tanzania is of great significance for establishing a new China-Tanzania partnership in the new era. The Chinese Embassy to Tanzania will support the holding of the events just mentioned above. A three-person working group headed by Political Counselor was set up outright and was responsible for providing support for these two events.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Attended an International Conference in Tanzania



　　On May 24, 2012, upon the invitation of the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) in Tanzania, IPRCC Acting Director General Mr. Huang Chengwei led a delegation to Dar es Salaam to attend the International Conference on “Releasing Growth Potentials in Tanzania: Lessons and Approaches in Creating Inclusive Growth”, sponsored by Tanzanian ESRF and President’s Office Planning Commission. At the opening ceremony, Acting Director General Huang delivered a keynote speech titled “Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction in China: Process and Major Policies”. There were a total of 250 participants, including high officials of the Tanzanian government, diplomatic envoys of various countries to Tanzania, as well as experts and scholars from multiple international organizations and academic circles. Huang’s paper and speech were highly appraised by the audience.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with Representatives from International Organizations in Tanzania



　　During May 25 to 28, 2012, the IPRCC delegation headed by Acting Director General Mr. Huang Chengwei met with the representatives from international organizations in Tanzania, including Mr. Jacques Morrisset, the World Bank Leading Economist for East Africa, Mr. Marshall Elliott, Head of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) in Tanzania, Dr. Axel Doerken, GIZ Country Director in Tanzania, and officials from UNDP in Tanzania. The relevant personnel from IPRCC’s Cooperation Division and Exchange Division were also present at the meeting.

　　Acting Director General Huang introduced IPRCC’s plan for the 3rd Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference scheduled to be held in Tanzania this July, and invited international organizations to participate in and support the organization and implementation of this conference. The representatives highly appreciated the IPRCC’s performance in Tanzania, positively responded to its proposal on this conference, and agreed to explore cooperation modes in further detail.

The 2012 Second Meeting of China-DAC Study Group Held in Beijing



　　On June 6, 2012, the 2012 Second Meeting of China-DAC Study Group took place in Beijing. The meeting was chaired by Karen Jorgensen, Head of Peer Review and Evaluation Division of Development Co-operation Directorate, OECD. Huang Chengwei, Acting Director General of IPRCC and Serge Tomasi, Deputy Director of the OECD Development Co-operation Directorate delivered welcome speeches respectively. More than 30 representatives from a wide range of institutes were present in the meeting including the Ministry of Commerce, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, China Institute of International Studies, China Agricultural University, the World Bank, Embassy of the United States to China, UK Department for International Development, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Korea International Cooperation Agency and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The meeting reviewed the research findings of the study group in the first stage, and discussed future plans for 2013-14.

　　The study group will continue to conduct two activities: first, investigating development programs in agricultural sector, and preparing the roundtable meeting on promoting poverty reduction through agricultural development and cooperation; second, conducting special training and experience sharing activities based on the requirements of relevant departments concerned in learning theories and practices of foreign assistance and international development and cooperation.



Training Activities

Seminar on the Development of Nepal Rural Areas Opened in Beijing



　　On April 6, 2012, Seminar on the Development of Nepal Rural Areas, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of P.R.C and organized by the IPRCC, was convened in Beijing. Mr. Li Chunguang, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Social Mobilization, LGOP, addressed the opening ceremony. Mr. Giri Thakendra Prakash from Nepal delivered a speech on behalf of the participants.

　　Themed on “Rural Areas Development”, the 21-day seminar was composed of expert lectures and a field trip. 15 government officials from the relevant departments of the Government of Nepal participated in the seminar. China’s experts and scholars introduced the general situation of China’s social and economic development, China’s rural development history and achievements, China’s rural development policies and experience, China’s rural poverty reduction policies and practices and other related topics. The seminar also arranged the participants to go to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for a field research.

　　On April 25, the closing ceremony of the seminar was held in Beijing. The participants spoke highly of the seminar. They expressed that policies taken and experience obtained by China in the filed of facilitating poverty reduction in rural areas and promoting social development are invaluable and provide the inspiration for the development and poverty reduction of Nepal.

Seminar on MDGs and Sustainable Poverty Reduction for Developing Countries Convened in Beijing



　　During April 13 to 27, 2012, the Seminar on MDGs and Sustainable Poverty Reduction for Developing Countries, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of P.R.C (MOFCOM) and organized by the IPRCC, was convened in Beijing. A total of 26 representatives from the relevant government departments on poverty reduction and development of 17 countries including Pakistan, Burma, Nepal, East Timor, Palestine and Lebanon attended the event. Mr. Li Chunguang, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Social Mobilization of LGOP, and Mr. Xu Yuanjie, Director of Human Resources Development Division of the Department of Aid to Foreign Countries of MOFCOM addressed the opening ceremony. Mr. BLESSED MUNATSI, Zimbabwean President’s Office Deputy Director, delivered a speech on behalf of the participants.

　　Themed “MDGs and Sustainable Poverty Reduction”, the seminar consisted of three parts: expert lecture, country-specific presentation and field trip. Experts and scholars from China introduced topics such as China’s policies and practices in poverty reduction and development , the latest developments in achieving the MDGs in China, China’s labour employment policy and its impact on social and economic development, China’s development mode and experience in many fields as well as international development assistance’s influence on China’s poverty reduction. At the session of country-specific presentation, the representatives of participating countries were asked to introduce the latest developments and experience of their respective country in achieving the MDGs. During the seminar, participants also made a field trip to Jiangxi province to examine the progress of rural special poverty reduction programs, rural education, healthcare, eco-environmental protection, women’s development, labor employment and social security.

　　On April 27, the closing ceremony of the seminar was held in Beijing . Mr. Ahmed Elsharief Mohamed Abdelrahman, Head of Sudan Bilateral Cooperation Department of the Ministry of International Cooperation, delivered the closing speech.

Seminar on Development-oriented Poverty Alleviation Policies and Practices for Officials from Francophone Africa” Opened in Beijing



　　On May 3, 2012, Seminar on Development-oriented Poverty Alleviation Policies and Practices for Officials from Francophone Africa, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the P.R.C and organized by the IPRCC, was convened in Beijing. A total of 23 officials from the relevant government departments of Francophone African countries attended this seminar. Mr. Li Chunguang, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Social Mobilization of LGOP addressed the opening ceremony, and Ms. Nathoo Moheenee from Mauritius delivered a speech on behalf of all participants.

　　Themed on “Development-oriented Poverty Reduction”, the 15-day seminar was divided into two parts – expert lecture and field trip. The experts and scholars from China introduced China’s strategy and experience of development-oriented poverty reduction in rural areas, the comparative analysis of poverty reduction and development between China and Africa, China’s policies as well as local provincial and autonomous regions’ policies and practices regarding development-oriented poverty alleviation in rural areas and other relevant issues. In addition, the participants went to Hubei province for a field trip during the seminar.

　　On May 17, the closing ceremony of the seminar was held in Beijing. Deputy Director of IPRCC Training Division Mr. Zhang Huidong addressed the ceremony and expressed his congratulations on the success of the seminar. Ms. Nathoo Moheenee gave a speech on behalf of all participants.



Seminar on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction for Developing Countries Opened in Beijing

 



　　On May 15, 2012, Seminar on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction for Developing Countries, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the P.R.C and organized by the IPRCC took place At Beijing Fraternal Cooperation International Hotel. A total of 28 representatives from the departments regarding poverty reduction and development of 17 countries including Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos and Burma attended the event. Mr. Wang Shu, IPRCC Assistant Director General, chaired the opening ceremony. Mr. Liu Shuwen, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Social Mobilization, LGOP, addressed the opening ceremony. Ms. Majedah Abou Hamza, Director of the Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MOLSA) delivered a speech on behalf of the participants.

　　With the theme of “Rural Development and Poverty Reduction”, the seminar consisted of expert lectures, country-specific presentation, case studies and field trip. China’s experts and scholars introduced China’s policies and practices of poverty reduction in rural areas, the operation mode of the Chinese rural market system, China’s rural finance, technology and public service and social security policies and practices as well as challenges and countermeasures of rural development in China. In the country-specific presentation session, the representatives of participating countries were invited to introduce their respective country’s systems, policies, achievements, challenges and experience in rural development and poverty reduction. During the seminar, the participants also went to Shanxi province and carried out a field survey on such projects as special rural poverty reduction and development, poverty alleviation by technologies, public service and social security, community governance, special industries development and new countryside construction.

　　On May 29, the closing ceremony of the seminar was held in Beijing. Mr. Deodass Kalisetty-Appadu, Director of Mauritius Ministry of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment, and Mr. Wang Shu, IPRCC Assistant Director General, delivered the concluding remarks respectively.



Seminar on Integrated Rural and Urban Development and Poverty Reduction for Asian Countries Opened in Beijing



　　On June 6, 2012, the opening ceremony of Seminar on Integrated Rural and Urban Development and Poverty Reduction for Asian Countries, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the P.R.C and organized by the IPRCC, took place at Beijing Fraternal Cooperation International Hotel. A total of 13 participants working in the governments relating to rural development and poverty reduction from 5 countries including Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nepal, and East Timor attended the event. Mr. Wang Shu, Assistant Director General of IPRCC, chaired the opening session, Mr. Liu Shuwen, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Social Mobilization of LGOP, addressed the opening ceremony, and Mr. Areeb L. M. Kitana from Palestine delivered a speech on behalf of all participants.

　　Themed on “Integrated Rural and Urban Development and Poverty Reduction”, the 15-day seminar was divided into two parts: expert lecture and filed trip. The experts and scholars from China introduced the formation and development of China’s urban-rural dual economic structure, China’s strategy for integrated rural and urban development and sustainable rural poverty reduction, the reconstruction of China’s rural financial system and integrated rural and urban development, the human resource development and rural poverty reduction in China, and other topics. According to the arrangement of the seminar, the participants made a field trip to Sichuan province.

　　On June 19, the closing ceremony of the seminar was held in Beijing. Mr. Wang Shu, Assistant Director General of IPRCC, addressed the ceremony and expressed his congratulations on the success of the event. Ms. Rana A.L. Sarawan made a speech on behalf of all participants.



Seminar on Rural Public Service and Comprehensive Poverty Reduction for Officials from Francophone Africa Opened in Beijing



　　On June 7, 2012, the opening ceremony of Seminar on Rural Public Service and Comprehensive Poverty Reduction for Officials from Francophone Africa, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the P.R.C and organized by the IPRCC, took place in Beijing. A total of 19 participants working in the sector of poverty reduction and development from 10 countries including Benin, Equatorial Guinea and Madagascar attended the event. Mr. Wang Shu, Assistant Director General of IPRCC chaired the opening session, Mr. Liu Shuwen, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Social Mobilization of LGOP, addressed the opening ceremony, and Ms. Julia Raymonde Sasembo, Director of the Ministry of Youth and Recreation in Madagascar delivered a speech on behalf of all participants.

　　Themed on “Rural Public Service and Comprehensive Poverty Reduction”, the seminar was composed of four parts: expert lecture, country-specific presentation, case analysis and field trip. Experts and scholars from China introduced the general situation of China’s national economic and social development, the overall framework and implementation mode of China’s rural public service, and the policies and experience related to rural financial service, agricultural sci-tech service, education, health, social security and community governance. They also systematically analyzed the establishment and improvement of the rural public service system, and its crucial role and challenges remained in the process of achieving sustainable development for developing countries, which further deepened the policy sharing and experience exchanging between China and Africa developing countries in the field of comprehensive poverty reduction and rural public services. In the session of country-specific presentations, participating representatives from various countries were invited to present their systems, policies, effects, challenges and experience of rural public service respectively. In addition, participants traveled to Gansu province to investigate special rural poverty alleviation and development, agricultural production, rural infrastructure construction and other projects.

　　On June 21, the closing ceremony of the seminar was held in Beijing. Mr. Koumadoum Djoutoinambaye, Vice Secretary-General of Chadian Ministry of Microfinance for Women and Youth Cause Promotion, and Mr. Wang Shu, Assistant Director General of IPRCC, delivered concluding remarks respectively.



Major Events Review

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Visited the Department of Asian Affairs of MOFA

　　On April 16, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Mr. Huang Chengwei visited the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and held talks with Mr. Yang Jian, Deputy Director of the Department. The relevant staff of the General Affairs Division and the Exchange Division of the IPRCC also attended the meeting.

　　Huang briefly introduced the establishment background, organizational structure and major responsibilities of IPRCC, as well as major work, preliminary achievement and influence since its establishment. He also proposed his willingness to get suggested from the Department of Asian Affairs of MOFA regarding the plan of the 6th China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction to be held this year, and how to further promote the exchange and cooperation with ASEAN countries under the content of poverty reduction.

　　Yang gave full recognition to and spoke highly of the achievements made by the IPRCC since its founding, and emphasized the importance and urgency of well organizing the China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction and strengthening the exchange and cooperation with the ASEAN countries in the field of poverty reduction. He indicated the Department of Asian Affairs would continue to support and actively facilitate the ASEAN-China Center’s participation in the preparation of the forum. He also raised some constructive points concerning further poverty reduction cooperation between the IPRCC and the key neighboring strategic areas.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with UNDP China Country Director Christophe Bahuet
　　On May 8, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei had a business lunch with UNDP China Country Director Christophe Bahuet and Assistant Country Director Hou Xin’an, and discussed cooperation between the two sides. The relevant personnel from IPRCC’s Exchange Division also turned out in the meeting.

　　Mr. Huang introduced the agenda of the side meeting on poverty reduction of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) 2012 and detailed plans for the three major forums organized by the IPRCC. He also proposed his suggestions on how to jointly promote China’s poverty reduction process in the new era. Mr. Christophe Bahuet highly appreciated the plans and suggestions, responded positively to some proposals, and further expressed that UNDP would continue to provide support for IPRCC’s activities and China’s poverty reduction cause in the new era.

　　The meeting reached a consensus on pushing forward various activities under UNDP programs and developing further cooperation between the two sides.

IPRCC Had a Working Meeting with UNDP China

　　On May 14, 2012, Mr. Huang Chengwei, IPRCC Acting Director General, had a working meeting with Ms. Hou Xin’an, Assistant Country Director, Mr. Steven Sabey, Policy Advisor and other three members of UNDP China. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the coordination and preparations of the three major forums to be held in 2012. The relevant personnel from IPRCC’s Research Division and Exchange Division also turned out at the talks.

　　Based upon the previous preparatory meetings, they further discussed the preparatory work in terms of division of assignment, agenda, keynote speech proposals and invitation of participating representatives, which lay the ground for the successful holding of these forums.

　　Then UNDP China made a proposition to hold a training seminar with a focus on “The Development and Poverty Reduction of Special Economic Zones in China” based on the experience gained in the 2nd China-Africa Poverty Reduction and Development Seminar. Acting Director General Huang Chengwei agreed with this proposal and set the preliminary date for holding it in November.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with DFID Beijing Representatives

　　On May 18, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei met with Environmental Advisor Wu Lin of DFID Beijing Office. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation and jointly implementing capacity building and policy consulting projects targeted at African countries. With the participation of DFID, IPRCC will hold a seminar on agricultural irrigation engineering for the Tanzanian government officials this August. Twenty delegates from the related Tanzanian government bodies will visit China to participate in the program and have a field trip to learn about China’s agricultural water conservancy and rural development.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with Representatives of the Tanzania President’s Office Planning Commission



　　On May 25, 2012, in Dar es Salaam, Mr. Huang Chengwei, Acting Director General of IPRCC, led a delegation to visit the Tanzania President’s Office Planning Commission, and had a talk with its Deputy Secretary General Mr. Maduka P Kessy. In the meeting, the two sides discussed the 3rd Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference to be held this July in Tanzania, and issues related to the LGOP leaders’ visit to Tanzania. They also exchanged views and reached a consensus on a series of specific issues in this respect. They agreed to start the preparation from June to ensure the successful holding of the events just mentioned. Mr. Kessy highly appraised Mr. Huang’s keynote speech at the International Conference on Inclusive Economic Growth on May 24.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with Advisor of IPRCC Committee of Experts Mr. Richard Carey

　　On June 11, 2012, Mr. Huang Chengwei, Acting Director General of IPRCC, met with Mr. Richard Carey, international advisor of IPRCC Committee of Experts. In the meeting, Huang briefly introduced the recent achievements made by the IPRCC in research, training, exchange, cooperation and knowledge-sharing activities, and expressed his hope to obtain intellectual support in terms of expanding poverty reduction and development network, preparing China-Africa Conference on Poverty Reduction and Development and publishing English journals. Mr. Carey gave full affirmation to IPRCC’s achievements and indicated his willingness to help the IPRCC to conduct international cooperation on poverty reduction, especially in promoting knowledge-sharing and conducting capacity-building activities with other developing countries.

IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei Met with SDC Beijing Office Counselor for Regional Development

　　On June 14, 2012, IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei met with Ms. Patrizia Palmiero, Counselor for Regional Development of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Beijing Office, and Mr. Vincent Laurent, Attache of Swiss Embassy to China. Mr. Huang briefly introduced the work carried out by the IPRCC in research, training, exchange, cooperation, information sharing and other aspects. The both sides agreed that the further cooperation should be promoted in the fields of policy dialogue, knowledge sharing and dissemination, and application research. In addition, the both sides carried out the discussion on the establishment of cooperation mechanism between SDC and IPRCC under the framework of Swiss-China bilateral cooperation. IPRCC Senior Advisor Professor Li Xiaoyun and the relevant staff from IPRCC General Affairs Division and Research Division also attended the meeting.

The IPRCC Working Group Visited Tanzania for Project Observation

　　During March 27 to April 3, 2012, IPRCC Cooperation Division dispatched a Working Group to Morogoro, Tanzania to observe the progress of China-Tanzania Poverty Reduction Demonstration Learning IPRCC projects, visited the community center of Peiyapeiya Village under construction, and the corn area planted by the demonstration project households. The working group also observed the village’s water resources. During the visit, the IPRCC Working Group held a meeting with the Planning Commission of the President’s Office, Tanzania, and met with Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Mr. Lü Youqing and briefly presented him on the poverty reduction cooperation between the IPRCC and Tanzania. In addition, upon the invitation, the working group attended a seminar on the achievement of poverty reduction held by Tanzania’s national think-tank named Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA).

IFAD Project Personnel Visited IFAD Beijing Office



　　On May 8, 2012, Accompanied by project officers of IPRCC’s Training Division, Mr. Inusah Shirazu, a program officer from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development of Ghana, and Mr. Quentin Ngati, a project officer from the Ministry of Agriculture of Kenya, visited the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Beijing Office. The Office’s National Project Coordinator Mr. Sun Yinhong and his colleagues warmly welcomed the delegation.

　　Mr. Inusah Shirazu and Mr. Quentin Ngati, among those participating in the exchange and study of the “Knowledge Sharing in Poverty Reduction and South-South Cooperation Grant Project between the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China and the International Fund for Agricultural Development” organized and implemented by the IPRCC, respectively presented how they felt about and what they gained from their study tour to China, and expressed their gratitude to the IPRCC for the thoughtful arrangement. IFAD representatives briefly stated the IFAD’s responsibilities and objectives, and the achievement of the relevant projects implemented in China. They sincerely hope that the two participants could apply the poverty reduction experience acquired in China to their own work, and in cooperation with IPRCC continue to carry out the poverty reduction pilot and demonstration projects in Ghana and Kenya.

IPRCC Invited an Officer from the Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture to Give a Thematic Lecture on Kenyan Poverty Reduction



　　During May 9 to 10, 2012, Mr. Quentin M.A. Ngati, a project officer from the Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya, accepted the invitation of the IPRCC and gave a thematic lecture on Kenya’s social and economic development and poverty reduction strategies during his stay in China to participate in the exchange and study of the South-South cooperation on poverty reduction organized by the IPRCC. IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei and young staff from various divisions participated in the lecture.

　　After the lecture, Mr. Quentin and IPRCC staff had in-depth interactive discussions. The lecture offered a great opportunity for IPRCC’s staff to have the knowledge about Kenya’s agricultural development and poverty reduction polices, and facilitated poverty reduction cooperation between the two countries in the future.

IPRCC Invited an Officer from the Ghanaian Ministry of Local Government to Give a Thematic Lecture on Ghanaian Poverty Reduction

　　On June 1, 2012, Mr. Inusah Shirazu, a development planning officer from the Ministry of Local Government of Ghana, accepted the invitation of the IPRCC and gave a thematic lecture on Ghana’s rural poverty reduction strategies and social and economic development during his stay in China to participate in the exchange and study of the South-South cooperation on poverty reduction organized by the IPRCC. IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei and many staff from IPRCC participated in the lecture.

　　Mr. Inusah and IPRCC staff had an in-depth interactive exchange on the lecture. He talked about his profound understanding obtained from the study tour in China. He praised China for its successful experience in the field of rural development and poverty alleviation, and hoped that the two countries can further strengthen the exchanges and cooperation in poverty reduction in the future.

A Research Project of an IPRCC Researcher Approved to Be One of 2012 Projects Supported by the National Social Science Foundation

　　“Research on Poverty of China’s Senior Population”, a project funded by the National Social Science Foundation applied by an IPRCC researcher Xu Liping, has been approved by the National Planning Leading Group of Philosophy and Social Science. The research will conduct an in-depth study on the poverty of senior citizens in the context of the aging of population, based on the existing IPRCC’s research results in special poverty groups, which has an important significance to improve the theory and policy systems of poverty reduction of special poverty groups in the new stage.

　　Just like the National Natural Science Foundation, the National Social Science Foundation founded in 1991 is a main channel to support basic study in the filed of scientific research in China. It focuses on providing financial aids for researchers from China’s colleges, universities and research institutions with good research conditions and strength. The approval of this research project funded by the National Social Science Foundation indicates that the IPRCC’s research on the poverty of special groups has reached a leading level in China.

 Workshop on Post-Millennium Development Goals Took Place in Beijing

　　On June 11, 2012, the workshop on Post-Millennium Development Goals, co-organized by the IPRCC, Canadian Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and Korea Development Institute (KDI), was held in Beijing. This workshop focused on the discussion of the selection of post-MDGs’ indexes in the areas of poverty and employment, food safety and water, health and education, etc. 20 experts and scholars from the host organizations, domestic and foreign research institutes and universities participated in this event and delivered their insights. IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei delivered a speech.

IPRCC Sent Its Staff to the Fifth ASEAN 10+3 Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication



　　During June 14 to 15, 2012, the IPRCC sent its staff to participate in the Fifth ASEAN 10+3 Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication held in Danang, Vietnam. Themed on “Achieving Rural Development and Poverty Eradication through Improving Food Security, Livelihood and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in ASEAN”, this event attracted more than 40 participants from the ASEAN Secretariat, the 10 ASEAN countries plus China and Japan.

　　The event was chaired by Ms. Hoang Thi Dzung, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Mr. Wang Dajun, Deputy Chief of the Information Division addressed the opening ceremony and closing ceremony on behalf of the IPRCC, introducing IPRCC’s development over the recent years and preparation for the 6th China-ASEAN forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction. During the panel discussion, Mr. Zhao Dongwen made a speech entitled “Climate Change and Poverty: Impacts, Responses and Challenges – Case Study of Poverty Alleviation Department in China”.



IPRCC Sent Its Staff to the ASEAN + 3 Regional Training Course on “Thailand Land Management for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication”



　　During June 24 to 29, 2012, the IPRCC sent its staff to attend the ASEAN + 3 Regional training course themed on “Thailand Land Management for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication” which took place in Bangkok, Thailand. This training event was sponsored by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) of Thailand. More than 30 delegates from the 10 ASEAN countries plus China participated in this training.

　　The opening ceremony was chaired by the Department of Land of MOI, and high-ranking officials of MOI and senior representatives of the Embassy of Japan to Thailand addressed the opening session. The delegate from the IPRCC also delivered a speech regarding this organization’s development over the recent years as well as its preparation for the 6th China-ASEAN forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction. During the training course, Zhao Jia from the IPRCC introduced the land policy and poverty eradication of China. The participants also visited the public land distribution project in Sisaket Province and the land ownership judgment project in Ubon Ratchathani Province.



The Conference on Concentrated Review of the Yearbook of China’s Poverty Alleviation and Development (2012) Held in Xi’an



　　During May 23 to 25, 2012, the Conference on Concentrated Review of the Yearbook of China’s Poverty Alleviation and Development (2012) was held in Xi’an. Tian Zhiqing, Deputy Director General of the Department of Policy and Regulations of LGOP, and He Changxin, Deputy Director of Shaanxi Provincial Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, attended the meeting and delivered speeches. Nearly 100 persons from various ministries and commissions, LGOP, the Poverty Alleviation Office of each province, the Cooperation Offices of relevant provinces and municipalities and relevant social organizations participated in the meeting. When delivering the speech on behalf of the editorial department of the Yearbook, Deputy Director Tian Zhiqing pointed out, to improve the quality of the Yearbook, the understanding of the compilation of the Yearbook should be further enhanced and the stabilization and institutionalization of the contributor team should be achieved. All delegates agreed that to conduct a concentrated review on manuscripts in the form of holding a meeting of concentrated review ensures the quality of the manuscripts, improved the level of contributing of contributors, and provided an opportunity for the contributing personnel of units and departments to exchange and learn each other. After the meeting, the delegates visited the whole village promotion and immigration relocation project site of Xiangyu Village, Chang’an District. They visited local peasants, and exchanged and learned local advanced experience in the poverty alleviation and development.



The Publication of Discovery Report: Emerging Issues and Findings for Child Welfare and Protection in China (2012)



　　On June 3, 2012, China Philanthropy Research Institute and the IPRCC jointly issued the Discovery Report: Emerging Issues and Findings for Child Welfare and Protection in China (2012) in Beijing. The press conference was chaired by Professor Shang Xiaoyuan, Director of Child Welfare Research Centre of Beijing Normal University China Philanthropy Research Institute. Dr. Wang Xiaolin, Head of the Research Division of IPRCC gave a brief introduction about the book.

　　Dr. Wang made a brief summary of the outstanding achievements of China’s child welfare system construction in 2011. The major achievements concerned include the Program of Action for Child Development in China (2011-2020) officially issued by the State Council, Outline for Poverty Alleviation and Development in Rural China (2011-2020) issued by the State Council, Proposition on Strengthening and Improving the Protection of Homeless Minors issued by the General Office of the State Council, School Bus Safety Regulations approved by the State Council, and the increasing concern paid by All China Women’s Federation and the Ministry of Education to women and children living in rural communities.

　　Also, Dr. Wang overviewed the next issue in 2013 and expected that it could attract more child welfare experts to participate in the studies and writing regarding this so as to enhance its guidance, advancement, authority and completeness. He noted that child welfare service package will serve as an important program in the coming year. Children with special needs in contiguous poverty-stricken areas will be given special attention, and the development and services of children’s nonprofit organizations will also become a major concern.



IPRCC Sent Its Staff to Participate in the Meeting of the National UNV Steering Committee

　　On June 12, 2012, the IPRCC sent its staff to participate in the sixth meeting of the National UNV Steering Committee.

　　The meeting was presided over by United Nations Volunteers (UNV) China Office. More than 20 delegates from government departments, private sectors, academic circles and non-governmental organizations attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed the activities of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (2001) and conducted a discussion on how to carry out voluntary service cooperation in the future.

Institution Building

A Delegation Headed by LGOP Deputy Minister Zheng Wenkai Visited the IPRCC to Supervise and Inspect the Activities for Further Strengthening Party Organizations and the Work of Corruption Risk Prevention & Control



　　On April 26, 2012, Zheng Wenkai, LGOP Deputy Minister, and Xia Gengsheng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Membership Committee of the LGOP, went to the IPRCC to supervise and inspect the activities for further strengthening party organizations and the work of corruption risk prevention &control. In addition, they held discussions with IPRCC’s CPC Branch and Labor Union and women and youth representatives. IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei chaired the meeting, and IPRCC Assistant Director General Wang Shu also attended the meeting.



IPRCC Held a Summary Symposium of the Research on One Thousand Villages and Ten Thousand Households



　　On April 5, 2012, a symposium was held to summarize the Research on One Thousand Villages and Ten Thousand Households. IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei chaired the meeting. He had a discussion with 16 IPRCC staff involved in the research about their gains and experiences from the research.

IPRCC Convened the 2nd Exchange Meeting of the Research on One Thousand Villages and Ten Thousand Households



　　On April 19, 2012, the IPRCC convened the 2nd exchange meeting of the Research on One Thousand Villages and Ten Thousand Households. IPRCC Assistant Director General Wang Shu chaired the meeting. IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei also attended the meeting.

　　At the meeting, six staff participating in the research shared their gains and experiences from the research with all colleagues. By leveraging the PPT demonstration, they vividly showed what they saw, felt, obtained and thought through the research. Finally, Mr. Huang made a summary of the meeting and expressed that on the next IPRCC will combine professional work to determine different themes, and organize and carry out various researches in a planed way.

IPRCC Labor Union Organized a Spring Long Walk Activity



　　On April 19, 2012, the Labor Union of the IPRCC organized a spring five-kilometer long walk activity at Taiyanggong Park. IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei, IPRCC Assistant Director General and Labor Union Chairman Wang Shu and more than 20 staff participated in the activity.

　　The long walk activity relieved the staff of heavy work. It not only made them close to nature and healthy, but also facilitated the exchanges between the members and enhanced their incentive to work.

Eight IPRCC Staff Delivered Speeches at the Symposium of Young Cadres Involved in the Village-residence Survey Held by LGOP



　　On April 20, 2012, LGOP held a symposium of young cadres involved in the village-residence survey. IPRCC’s CPC Branch selected 8 persons to the meeting, including Ding Zhihao, Xu Jin, Wang Dajun, Geng Jiefu, Zhao Jia, Lin Huadang, Wei Fei and Li Linglin. At the meeting, they made speeches and shared with the relevant comrades from the system of LGOP their gains and experiences about the village-residence survey. The meeting was chaired by Xia Gengsheng, Deputy Secretary of the Party Membership Committee of the LGOP. LGOP Deputy Minister Zheng Wenkai attended the meeting and made a concluding statement.

IPRCC Held a Meeting for the Work Summary of the First Quarter and the Work Plan for the Second Quarter



　　On April 20, 2012, a meeting for the work summary of the first quarter and the work plan for the second quarter was held by IPRCC. The meeting summed up the completion status of the work in the first quarter and planned the major work for the second quarter. It was chaired by IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei.

IPRCC Sent Its Staff to Participate in an Internal Consultation Meeting of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce on Promoting Tripartite Cooperation with the UNDP

　　On April 24, 2012, the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) held an internal consultation meeting concerning the position to carry out tripartite cooperation with the UNDP and the arrangement of UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark’s meetings with relevant ministries when she visit China during May 16 to 19. The IPRCC was invited to attend this event, together with the representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The discussion focused on the current tripartite cooperation project and some tentative ideas on future cooperation with UNDP.

　　On behalf of the IPRCC, a staff member from the Cooperation Division delivered a speech and briefly introduced the founding background of IPRCC and the cooperation with MOFCOM and the UNDP since its establishment. He also expressed IPRCC’s willingness to develop further tripartite cooperation in the field of poverty alleviation with MOFCOM and UNDP’s support, to extend China’s successful poverty reduction experience in other developing countries and improving their abilities in developing and implementing poverty reduction policies, strategies and plans.

IPRCC’s Staff Donated Cold-Weather Clothing to a Poverty-Stricken Village in Inner Mongolia



　　On April 27, 2012, IPRCC’s staff packed nearly 300 pieces of cold-weather clothing donated by the IPRCC into five large mailing bags and handed them to the personnel of the post office. These clothes would be delivered to the Friendship Village of Oroqen Autonomous Banner, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia.

　　The Friendship Village was one of the villages involved in the Village-residence Research on One Thousand Villages and Ten Thousand Households carried out in this April by the LGOP. This was IPRCC’s first donation activity in 2012, reflecting IPRCC staff’s dedication to charity work and helping others.

IPRCC Organized a Youth Day Theme Commemoration Activity to Carry Forward the Patriotic Spirit of the May 4th Movement of 1919 and Show the Youthful Image of IPRCC



　　The year of 2012 is the 93rd anniversary of May 4th Movement of 1919. During May 4 to 5, the IPRCC organized a Youth Day theme commemoration activity with rich content and new forms at Yun Fo Shan Resort Area. In this activity, the lively and interesting youth forum was carried out in the form of language and literature course, and the team building training adopted the form of physical education lesson. The participants talked about ideals, life and career at the language and literature course, and experienced the youthful passion of the team and enjoyed the fun of the teamwork at the physical education lesson.
　　Mr. Li Chunguang, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Social Mobilization, LGOP, Mr. Huang Chengwei, Acting Director General, IPRCC, and nearly 40 staff from the IPRCC attended the activity.





IPRCC Held a General Staff Meeting



　　On June 14, 2012, the IPRCC held a general staff meeting. The meeting reviewed and summarized the major work done by the IPRCC from January to May, made an arrangement for the work in June and July, and raised requirements on how to well do various work of the IPRCC. In addition, the meeting announced the division of the work of the members of the leadership team of the IPRCC.

　　IPRCC Acting Director General Huang Chengwei chaired the meeting. Deputy Director General He Xiaojun and Assistant Director General Wang Shu also attended the meeting.

IPRCC’s Staff Held a Symposium with the Overseas Students Funded by the IPRCC



　　On June 29, 2012, IPRCC organized its young staff to hold a symposium with overseas students funded by the IPRCC. A total of 10 international students from the Tsinghua University, China Agricultural University and Beijing Normal University attended the discussion.

　　During the discussion, the students shared with IPRCC staff their study and life experiences in China as well as their countries’ traditional cultures and customs. Finally, Acting Director General Mr. Huang made a summary speech. He hoped that the overseas students could learn more about and pay attention to the IPRCC and understand China’s policies in poverty reduction, and actively publicize the IPRCC. He also hoped that IPRCC’s staff could strengthen the exchanges with overseas students and enhance mutual friendship.