The Chinese government will accelerate economic transformation to allow more people, especially those in poverty, to share the benefits of economic and social development, said Vice Premier Hui Liangyu Sunday.

Economic transformation was necessary to sound and rapid long-term development in China, and a priority for poverty alleviation, Hui said at the opening of the Poverty Reduction and Development Forum in Beijing.

These goals required more work in adjusting the economic structure, balancing development between urban and rural areas and among different regions, and in environmental protection, Hui said.

Hui said China still had millions of poor people, making poverty alleviation an arduous task.

Hui met with Michelle Bachelet, head of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN Women, before the ceremony.