The Chinese government is ready to offer selfless help to international poverty reduction efforts, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Shanghai Wednesday at the opening ceremony of Global Conference on Scaling Up Poverty Reduction.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reaffirmed China's serious commitment to reduce poverty in his speech. He said China has decided to pledge another US$30 million to the Asian Development Fund of the Asia Development Bank(ADB), in addition to a US$50 million donation to the African Development Fund.

He also announced that the Chinese government will contribute an extra donation of US$20 million to ADB to set up a China Special Fund for Poverty Reduction and Regional Cooperation, in support of relevant endeavors in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
Wen said that with continued actions in poverty reduction and consistent pursuit of peace, development and prosperity, China will contribute its share in maintaining world peace and promoting common development.

He pointed out that eliminating poverty in a country of 1.3 billion people is in itself a major contribution to the global cause of poverty reduction.

The Chinese government always cherishes friendship, honors responsibility and keeps good faith, he said. China will do its utmost to promote South-South cooperation, gradually increase its development assistance to poor countries within its own capability and expand its trade and investment with other developing countries.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2004)