Chinese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Tuesday proclaimed that they would like to act as the "vanguard" in exploring new patterns to relieve poverty in China.

The NGOs Tuesday issued a declaration against poverty at the end of the two-day International Conference on NGO Poverty Reduction Policy.

The declaration says that the government, the market and NGOs have to work together in the "long and arduous war" against poverty and they would like to provide supplements to the government's efforts.

The declaration and the conference will have a significant and long-term effect on the poverty relief cause in China as what NGOs have done and are able to do for the poor was openly discussed in China for the first time, said Gao Hongbin, deputy director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, at a press conference after the conference ended.

The declaration says that domestic NGOs will work together with overseas counterparts to help the impoverished, listen to their calls and improve their participation in projects and community affairs.

And problems facing women, children and ethnic minorities will receive special attention from NGOs, the declaration says.

Michael Busgen, a consultant with the German-based Misereor Foundation said "China has several real grassroots NGOs that play a positive role in the country's social affairs, especially in helping the poor."

"NGOs need to improve themselves to earn the trust of society, though the whole environment in China is not so perfect now," he added.

The declaration suggests that a competitive public welfare resources market be fully developed and the government loosen the control on NGOs' participation in poverty-relief programs.

A senior government official for poverty relief efforts, Gao Hongbin said China has set the basic principles for NGOs to participate in the government's programs against poverty, but practical policies have yet to be made.

(People’s Daily October 31, 2001)