Kerstin Leitner, resident co-ordinator of the UN Country Team in China and representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), made the remarks Wednesday at the celebration of the 56th United Nations Day, World Rural Women's Day (October 15), World Food Day (October 16) and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17).

The celebration aimed to help raise the profile of rural women and sensitize the public to their crucial role in society, Leitner said.

The celebration included a photo contest in which judges were seeking images of rural women working to end hunger and poverty. Three top rural women photographers were awarded.

UNDP has worked hard to eradicate poverty, raise womens' social status, protect the environment and promote scientific training through co-operation with the Chinese government since 1979, when its office was established in China, said Lu Feijie, director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.

From 1996 to 2000, UNDP invested US$20 million to set up micro-loan projects in 48 counties of 17 provinces, benefiting 80,000 farmers.

Continued cooperation with UNDP, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank would be appreciated because it would further help reduce poverty in China, Lu said.

China has achieved great progress in poverty eradication. The rural poor population has decreased from 250 million in 1978 to 30 million in 2000, accounting for just 3 percent of the total rural population now.

Special projects also have been carried out to help lift women out of poverty, including the Happiness Programme for poor mothers and the Spring Bud Plan to help girl dropouts back to school.

In addition, the State Council has issued guidelines for poverty alleviation in rural areas over the next 10 years.

(China Daily October 25, 2001)