The first non-governmental organization (NGO) collaborative project with the government to reduce village-level poverty announced its second-phase NGOs on Friday in Beijing.

The five NGOs selected for the second phase of the Jiangxi Poverty Alleviation project at the village level included the Ningxia Centre for Environment and Poverty Alleviation and the Beijing Liangsuming Rural Cultural Development Centre.

These NGOs, along with the six chosen for the first phase last February, will join forces with local officials on participatory village planning and to implement village projects based on the priorities identified by the communities.

The project marks the first time that NGOs have participated directly in village poverty reduction and development planning.

"The move is a sound innovation amid the government's growing commitment to poverty reduction," said Wu Zhong, director-general of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (LGOP).

"The partnership will improve the government's function and facilitate its efficiency in maximizing the benefits of the poverty alleviation fund."

Also speaking at the forum, the Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Lawrence Greenwood said experience demonstrated that NGO-government partnerships could provide a "win-win" outcome and "bring to bear each partner's strengths".

Kang Xiaoguang, a professor at the Renmin University of China, agreed with Greenwood.

1

2

(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)