(Originally published on 10/25/2013)

From 23 to 25 October, Xu Haoliang, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Director of the Asia-Pacific Bureau of UNDP, visited China. During his visit Mr Xu met with a wide range of members of the Chinese government, as well as holding internal meetings at UNDP. During his meetings, Mr Xu emphasized the importance of China’s engagement in South–South Cooperation, action on climate change, and work on poverty alleviation.

Mr Xu held a meeting with Minister Fan Xiaojian and Vice-Minister Zheng Wenkai, respectively Director and Deputy Director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development. Both sides reviewed their long-standing cooperation in China and their strengthened partnership in sharing China’s experiences on poverty reduction under the South–South Cooperation framework. It was agreed to extend the cooperation project about the International Poverty Reduction Centre in China (IPRCC) to the next phase, which will aim to develop the IPRCC into a centre of excellence for sharing South–South Cooperation experience with other developing countries.

Mr Xu met with Mr Li Jinzao, Vice Minister of Commerce. Both sides expressed their great satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation between UNDP China and the Chinese Government. They enjoyed a very open and practical discussion, including on how UNDP and China’s cooperation on South–South could build on its successes for future work.

Mr Xu also met with Mr Su Wei, Director General of the Climate Change Department of NDRC and Chief Negotiator for China. Both sides agreed that UNDP and China should work together to address climate issues in China as well as through South–South Cooperation.

In his meeting with Ms Zhang Dan, Deputy Director General of the International Economic Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Xu stressed how China’s rise on the international stage underlined its important role to play in promoting trilateral cooperation and working toward poverty alleviation. He also encouraged China to work towards increasing its relatively low number of staff in the United Nations.

Mr Xu met with Mr Wang Wei, Director General, Department of Social Development at the National Development and Reform Commission. He agreed that, building on the successful cooperation on social development research, both sides should explore more cooperation on policy studies related to public service, social management and the concerns of ordinary people in order to build a more equitable society in China.

At the meeting with Ms Wang Luo, Director of the Institute of International Development at the Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC) both sides expressed the value they attached to their joint research initiatives. CAITEC emphasized the importance of UNDP’s global experiences and network in contributing to the policy research for China’s aid and South–South Cooperation.

Mr Xu had further discussions regarding the Advanced Leadership Project with Mr Wang Jingqing, Vice Minister in the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Mr Xu also took the opportunity to liaise closely with the UNDP team in Beijing and also with bilateral donors. With the donors Mr Xu set out UNDP’s priorities under the new Strategic Plan, and his own vision for UNDP’s role in Asia-Pacific. It was also a great opportunity to thank them for their support to UNDP’s work in China.