Lesson worth learning

Since 1978, China has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, according to the World Bank's international standard, accounting for over 70 percent of global poverty reduction in that period and making it the largest anti-poverty campaign in history.

China reached the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending poverty a full decade ahead of the 2030 target. A World Bank report noted that, largely due to China's contribution, the global poverty rate fell from 38 percent in 1990 to 8.5 percent in 2024.

After eradicating extreme poverty at home, China has applied its proven methods to help other countries like Laos fight poverty.

By last year, China had run 15,000 training programs for more than 180 countries and international organizations, the China International Development Cooperation Agency said. The courses covered 17 fields and over 100 specialized areas, with more than 500 sessions focused specifically on governance and poverty reduction. In total, more than half a million people from around the world have been trained.

The Laos village chief Padith has come to understand the philosophy behind these projects.

"China's poverty alleviation model is not just about handing out supplies," he said. "It makes concrete plans based on the village's real situation. This approach builds our own ability to sustain progress — what they call 'hematopoietic ability' — rather than relying on outside help."

He hopes to deepen ties beyond infrastructure. "I hope we can increase mutual visits — for example, exchange and study trips for village cadres," Padith said. "We can also cooperate on agricultural technical training and share experiences in rural tourism development. We welcome Chinese friends to come to Thinsom, to see our progress and changes for themselves, and to explore together a sustainable development path that suits both sides."

Wang's team is now studying small-scale projects for Thinsom, such as homestays for tourists heading to Kuang Si waterfall. "We want Thinsom to develop its own 'hematopoietic ability' — to make its own money," Wang said.

Back in Shibadong, Shi remains confident about the future success of the Chinese model. "I believe that under the correct leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and with the joint efforts of the Lao people, combining Shibadong's poverty-alleviation experience with Laos' own realities … I am confident that Thinsom's future will be just like Shibadong's today."

Contact the writers at lilei@chinadaily.com.cn