Economics
“四小”不小，管用就好
This blog is part of a series produced to commemorate End Poverty Day (October 17), focusing on China – which has contributed more than any other country to global poverty reduction – and its efforts to end extreme poverty by 2020. Read the blog series here.
In April 2016, I traveled to east Sichuan on a fact-finding trip on poverty programs and was impressed by the four small projects that I saw in Fengkanmiao Village in Dayan Township, Nanbu County. The projects focus on small-scale livestock, poultry and fish farming, small orchard, vegetable garden and tree plantation, small workshops for food processing or local traditional products, and small business to sell agricultural produce or grocery merchandise.
“Raising some chicken and ducks in the backyard and pigs requires little investment and brings quick returns. It is practical business,” said 61-year-old villager Zhang Dingke. He told me that he used to rely on farming and live from hand to mouth. And after his two kids got into university, life became even harder. Early last year, he started small-scale poultry and pig farming with some government support, and earned more than RMB17,000 yuan (about $2,530) in income.
China has hit the home stretch in poverty reduction. Thanks to persistent efforts in the past decades, the poor that were easier to help have already gotten out of poverty. Today most of the remaining poor villages are in mountainous areas with little cultivated land, scarce natural resources, and poor road and communication access. People in those villages live in deep poverty.
Poverty is caused by a range of factors: 42% of the people who fell into poverty in China did so because of ill health and related costs. The percentage was even higher in Sichuan at 53.9%. Some poor families do not have any decent furniture. Some do not even have bedsheets or mosquito nets.
The marginal cost of reducing poverty has been increasing, and the task is getting harder. The constraints faced by poor villages include lack of natural resources, poor location and infrastructure, low technical skills and capacity, more old, weak or ill people, and lack of access to basic public services. Their low levels of productivity makes it difficult to develop modern agriculture and high value-added industry.
These four small projects are in alignment with the current level of productivity in poor villages, focused on family-based interventions. But when more than 200,000 poor households engaged in these ‘four small projects,’ it became a big project with greater benefits for the poor.
According to some statistics, under the ‘four small projects’ launched in Nanbu County in early 2015, 1,800 poor households have engaged in the vegetable, fruit, livestock and poultry business; 26,687 mu(4,396 acre) fruit orchards, vegetable gardens and tree plantations have been developed; nearly 12,000 poor households have benefited from small-scale livestock, poultry or fish farming; and 1,600 poor households have worked on making wood or bamboo products, baked…
Business
Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
Gordonstoun school severed ties with Hampton Group over espionage allegations against chairman Yang Tengbo. He denies involvement and claims to be a victim of political tensions between the UK and China.
Allegations Lead to School’s Decision
Gordonstoun School in Moray has cut ties with Hampton Group International after serious allegations surfaced regarding its chairman, Yang Tengbo, who is accused of being a spy for the Chinese government. Known by the alias "H6," Mr. Tengbo was involved in a deal that aimed to establish five new schools in China affiliated with Gordonstoun. However, the recent allegations compelled the school to terminate their agreement.
Public Denial and Legal Action
In response to the spying claims, Mr. Tengbo publicly revealed his identity, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing. A close associate of Prince Andrew and a former Gordonstoun student himself, Mr. Tengbo has strenuously denied the accusations, stating that he is a target of the escalating tensions between the UK and China. He has claimed that his mistreatment is politically motivated.
Immigration Challenges and Legal Responses
Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, has faced additional challenges regarding his immigration status in the UK. After losing an appeal against a ban enacted last year, he reiterated his innocence, condemning media speculation while emphasizing his commitment to clear his name. Gordonstoun, on its part, stated its inability to divulge further details due to legal constraints.
Source : Gordonstoun cuts ties with business chaired by man accused of spying for China
Business
China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
The Chinese government demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Xinjiang, affecting Uyghur culture and commerce, prompting criticism from activists amid concerns over cultural erasure and human rights violations.
Demolition of a Cultural Landmark
The Chinese government recently demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Urumqi, Xinjiang, a vital hub for Uyghur culture and commerce, as reported by VOA. This center, once inhabited by more than 800 predominantly Uyghur-owned businesses, has been deserted since 2009. Authorities forcibly ordered local business owners to vacate the premises before proceeding with the demolition, which took place without any public notice.
Condemnation from Activists
Uyghur rights activists have condemned this demolition, perceiving it as part of China’s broader strategy to undermine Uyghur identity and heritage. The event has sparked heightened international concern regarding China’s policies in Xinjiang, which have been characterized by allegations of mass detentions and cultural suppression, prompting claims of crimes against humanity.
Rebiya Kadeer’s Response
Rebiya Kadeer, the center’s namesake and a notable Uyghur rights advocate, criticized the demolition as a deliberate attempt to erase her legacy. Kadeer, who has been living in exile in the U.S. since her release from imprisonment in 2005, continues to advocate for Uyghur rights. She has expressed that her family members have suffered persecution due to her activism, while the Chinese government has yet to comment on the legal ramifications of the demolition.
Source : China Demolishes Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
Business
Yakult Unveils Restructuring Plans for Its China Operations | ESM Magazine
Yakult reorganized its China operations, dissolving the Shanghai subsidiary while opening a new branch. Manufacturing now consolidates at Wuxi and Tianjin plants, aiming for enhanced efficiency and growth.
Yakult’s Business Reorganisation in China
Yakult has announced a significant reorganisation of its operations in China, aiming to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. The company has dissolved its wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Yakult, which previously managed manufacturing and sales functions. This strategic move is expected to streamline its operations in the Chinese market.
New Branch and Manufacturing Adjustments
Yakult’s head office in China has established a new branch in Shanghai, transferring the sales division from Shanghai Yakult to this location. As of December 6, the branch has started selling various products, including Yakult and its light variants. Meanwhile, the manufacturing plant in Shanghai has ceased operations, with production capacity now absorbed by the Wuxi and Tianjin plants to ensure efficient supply.
Commitment to Growth
The company remains steadfast in its dedication to the Chinese market and is optimistic about future growth. Yakult reassured stakeholders that the reorganisation will have minimal financial impact and aims to enhance efficiency. Founded in 2005 in Shanghai, Yakult China currently employs approximately 2,216 individuals, reinforcing its commitment to customer health and expanding operations.
Source : Yakult Announces Reorganisation Of China Business | ESM Magazine
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