From July 10th to 23rd, 2025, the Seminar on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Poverty Reduction for Developing Countries, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and organized by the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), was successfully held in Beijing and Weifang, Shandong Province. The 14-day seminar brought together 22 government officials working in poverty reduction and development-related fields from 8 countries: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Fiji, Gambia, Iraq, Rwanda and Uruguay. Dr. Liu Junwen, Director General of the IPRCC, attended the country-specific presentation session, and Ms. Jie Ping, Deputy Director General of the IPRCC, attended and delivered remarks at both the opening and closing ceremonies. Mr. Li Xin, Deputy Division Director of Academy for International Business Officials of Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, attended and delivered a speech at the closing ceremony. Ms. Munima Hafiz, Additional Secretary of Rural Development & Cooperatives Division of Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Cooperatives of Bangladesh, and Mr. Cornelius Fru Shu-Azieh, Adviser Minister Director of Civil Cabinet Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon, spoke on behalf of the participants at the opening and closing ceremonies respectively.

Under the theme of “Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Poverty Reduction,” participants particitpated in a variety of activities including thematic lectures, cultural experiences in Beijing and field visits in Weifang, Shandong Province, where they observed projects related to industrial poverty alleviation, employment-driven poverty reduction, ecological poverty alleviation and rural construction and governance.

Mr. Cornelius Fru Shu-Azieh, the representative of participants, remarked that the seminar provided a friendly and collaborative learning atmosphere, and witnessed the “miracle” of China’s poverty alleviation achievements. He highlighted the remarkable progress made in China’s urban and rural infrastructure within just a few decades, made possible by the foresight and leadership of the Communist Party of China. During the field visits, he was particularly impressed by how modern industrial parks efficiently process agricultural products into consumer goods, meeting domestic demand and supplying international markets. He emphasized the commitment of participants to apply and localize what they have learned, seen, and experienced in China, to contribute to building a better world.

Many participants noted that the experience not only broadened their horizons but also deepened their motivation to apply what they have learned to their own national contexts. By drawing upon the Chinese experience and adapting it to local conditions, they aim to explore effective, locally tailored pathways for poverty reduction, allowing the seeds of hope to take root and flourish in their respective countries.