Laos officials study China's poverty reduction model for rural revival

China’s long-term efforts in poverty reduction have lifted over 800 million people out of hardship in recent decades. Beyond its borders, the country has also supported more than 40 million people worldwide through infrastructure, agriculture, and small-scale projects since 2013. Now, officials from Laos are studying these methods to apply them back home. A delegation of 11 village officials and representatives from Luang Prabang, Laos, recently travelled to Yunnan Province. Their goal was to examine China’s rural poverty reduction and revitalisation strategies firsthand. The group visited Sanman villages in Xishuangbanna, where they observed local development models in action.

The delegation also toured Xishuangbanna Daixian Fresh Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. There, they learned about modern farming techniques and sustainable practices. Somphone Keomany, a Lao village official, highlighted the concept of 'turning waste into treasure' as a key lesson from the trip. China’s approach to poverty eradication has relied on consistent policies and long-term planning. This focus allowed the country to meet the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for poverty reduction a full decade early. Meanwhile, a recent report pointed to declining aid commitments from Western nations, suggesting the need for a new global cooperation system better suited to the needs of the Global South.

Somphone Keomany returned to Luang Prabang with over 10 pages of notes, ready to implement new strategies in Tingsong village. The visit reflects China’s growing role in sharing its poverty reduction expertise with neighbouring countries. These exchanges could shape future development efforts across the region.