Pakistan willing to adopt Xi's philosophy for prosperity

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Editor's Note: Zafar Hussain is an ex-research fellow with the Communication University of China and is affiliated with Geo News, the largest media group in Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is not only an ideal personality for the Chinese people but he's also very popular in other countries including Pakistan. The new Pakistani government is extremely impressed with Xi's vision and wants to adopt his philosophy regarding anti-corruption and poverty alleviation.

What is the Chinese poverty alleviation model?

Gearing China from a quantity-driven economy to an innovation-driven economy with large middle-income population and reducing the wealth gap are among the key highlights of the Chinese poverty alleviation model.

President Xi has the vision to elevate China to become the top-ranked innovative country by 2035.

China has lifted more than 700 million people out of extreme poverty, and Xi has set a goal to eradicate extreme poverty by 2020.

In order to reduce poverty, China has taken some important measures, such as education for poor with a slogan that education is the right of every child, vocational training centers, compensation for poverty alleviation, health facilities, and social security.

A newly-built village in north China's Hebei Province. / VCG Photo

Those counties and villages that have natural or historical values were turned into tourist attractions. Internet facilities and related training were given to the villagers to sell their goods through e-commerce, which is one of China's leading industries.

These are few aspects of Chinese poverty alleviation model. A lot of under developing countries intend to follow this model, including Pakistan.

"We must increase support for vocational education in rural areas, ethnic areas, and poverty-stricken areas, and strive to give everyone a chance to make a difference in life," Xi said

How this model can be useful for Pakistan?

China and Pakistan are time-tested friends, regardless of changes in domestic, regional or international situations both countries always support each other on the issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Imran Khan, during his first official visit to China on November 2-5, lauded Xi's philosophy and confessed that he was remarkably impressed with Xi's vision during their meeting.

Khan expressed a strong desire to learn from the Chinese poverty alleviation and anti-corruption model, which will help Pakistan to overcome its problems.

These models could prove to be very useful for Pakistan. Pakistan never paid attention to opening vocational training centers which has resulted in a shortage of skilled workforce. With over 65 percent of its population comprising of youth, Pakistan needs a model to provide them with direction and guidance on jobs and skills.

A Pakistani boy threshing barley on a farmland. ‍/VCG Photo

Chinese Poverty alleviation model is linked with different sectors. Pakistan and China agreed that Chinese assistance will be directed towards poverty alleviation, which includes areas such as agriculture, education, health, and vocational training.

“China is willing to strengthen policy dialogue, experience sharing and capacity building in the field of poverty reduction with Pakistan, and support Pakistan to establish poverty alleviation demonstration projects," said Pakistan foreign office.

President Xi's anti-corruption campaign also helped the country's poverty alleviation model, thousands of people have been investigated and charged for misusing anti-poverty funds and other associated crimes.

Corruption has been a key problem in Pakistan. Pakistan believes corruption is the mother of all evils and this "disease" can be eliminated through the Xi model. Pakistan is going to start the poverty alleviation campaign within the next few weeks.

If Pakistan implements the Xi vision about poverty alleviation and corruption free society on “zero tolerance” basis, Pakistan has the ability to take control of all its problems. Pakistan has no other option but to win a lasting fight against poverty and corruption.

Knowledge can change fate; now new Pakistani government has these models. Once a wise man said, weak birds hope to fly first. Similarly, Pakistan wants prosperity, and time will decide whether Pakistan can achieve this goal or not.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, contact us at opinions@cgtn.com)