BEIJING, June 6 (APP): A group of anti-poverty officials from South Asia have started their half-month seminar here to learn from China's experiences and success in poverty alleviation.

The officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are scheduled to discuss with Chinese officials and practitioners the strategies and practices China had implemented in lessening poverty during past decades.

A 4-member delegation comprising Rabia Agha, Agha Akhtar, Tashfeen Khan and Ghulam Ali is representing Pakistan in the seminar.

Ms. Rabia Agha will also read a paper on steps Pakistan has taken to alleviate poverty.

Chinese officials and experts during the 2-week seminar will also exchange views on topics such as international cooperation in poverty reduction and development, and rural development and poverty alleviation in South Asia.

The visiting officials will also travel to the central Hubei Province to inspect local poverty reduction programs.

Wu Zhong, head of the international cooperation and poverty reduction department of the State Council's Leading Group Office on Poverty Alleviation and Development, addressed the opening session of the seminar.

Wu said the seminar would provide a platform for attendees to have a better understanding of China's efforts and experience in reducing poverty.

Wu said, the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), co-sponsor of the seminar, has provided special training courses for 222 senior and middle-ranking officials from 62 developing countries since its establishment in 2005.