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Lao Ambassador to China Vandy Bouthasavong (Photo provided by Lao Embassy)

by Liu Dan

BEIJING, March 20 (Xinhuanet) -- China's progress in poverty alleviation is a major achievement in the history of humankind, said Lao Ambassador to China Vandy Bouthasavong.

The ambassador hailed the significance of China's anti-poverty success in a recent interview with Xinhuanet.

Over the past five years, China has been making huge efforts in fighting against poverty and further improving people's living standards, she said.

The poverty rate decreased from 10.2 percent to 3.1 percent in past five years, which is a major achievement in the history of humankind, the ambassador said.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up.

In the past four decades, great and profound changes have taken place and the country has become the second largest economy in the world, she said.

During this period, China's economic achievement has played an important role for global economy's stability, she said.

And China has contributed to over 30 percent of world economy growth, she added.

Looking into China's future development, the ambassador pointed to the 6.5 percent growth target set in this year's government work report.

"I am confident that China will attain this goal and I believe this will provide great encouragement and valuable experience for Laos," said she.

China's economic plan and efforts to develop an open economy will benefit the trade between China and Laos, which will promote the economic development in Laos, she said.

It will also help to promote people-to-people exchanges and bring new opportunities for people in these two countries, she added.

Speaking of the cooperation between China and Laos, she highlighted the important role of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The initiative promotes not only the trade and financial connectivity, but also policy, infrastructure and people-to-people connectivity between these two countries, she said.

It helps to cut transportation costs, create more jobs, and further attract foreign investment, enabling Laos and other countries along the Belt and Road to enjoy the shared benefits, she added.