China's way is food for thought

James T. Morris, China Daily, Asia News Network, Beijing

The rest of the world has much to learn from China.

In the 20th century the most populous nation on our planet suffered invasions, internal upheaval and hunger as traumatic and destructive as any in history. Today it is hugely influential politically and economically in the world, confident and dynamic.

The transformation of its economy over the past 25 years " from an agricultural to a manufacturing and services base, from central planning to the market, from a closed to a globally integrated system " has been phenomenal.

Agriculture's share of national output has diminished, but remains substantial. China is by far the world's largest grain producer, with a 2002 harvest of 402 million tons. This compared to the U.S." 298 million tons.

China became food self-sufficient in the mid-1990s, supporting 20 percent of the world's population on 7 percent of the planet's arable land.

In my view, China's greatest achievement is the huge number of people propelled out of poverty over the past quarter of a century " some 220 million, according to the government, or almost 400 million, according to the World Bank, which uses a different measure.

Dramatic poverty reduction has been accompanied by rapid social development. The average life expectancy is now 70 years, while the infant mortality rate has fallen to 3 percent.

Not all have benefited equally from China's progress. Indeed during the 1990s inequalities " among provinces, between rural and urban areas and within rural and urban areas " widened and deepened.

The World Food Programme (WFP), which has helped feed 32 million Chinese since 1979, targets the most vulnerable. It is working to improve the food security of the poorest households in the remote and mountainous central and western regions.

The government is a strong supporter, contributing US$37 million to our operation here last year. We salute its commitment to give twice the value of resources mobilized by us for China over the course of our 2001-2005 programme.

It also funds WFP operations elsewhere, pledging almost $5 million for the purpose since 2000 " donations used to alleviate hunger in Africa, and elsewhere in Asia.

In view of China's remarkable progress towards eliminating poverty and in attaining overall self-sufficiency, WFP will phase out food assistance to the country by the end of 2005.

WFP and the government have agreed to step up co-operation to fight the growing problem of chronic malnutrition, which afflicts more than 800 million people worldwide. We are now seeking to forge a new, mutually rewarding partnership that reflects our shared vision of a hunger-free world.

There are many ways the WFP and China can join together for this noble cause. Provided its own grain requirements are met, China could consider channeling surplus production through our agency, which has a proven record of ensuring help effectively reaches those who need it most.

Food emergencies can be the product of natural disasters " droughts, floods and earthquakes. China experiences such tragedies all too often, and has developed exemplary rapid response mechanisms to manage the fallout.

WFP is one of the first on the ground after a natural disaster strikes. It and China could combine to enhance response capabilities in the Asia region.

The rapid increase in China's farm output, on relatively little arable land, is a tribute to the depth and breadth of its agricultural expertise.

Its agronomists could team up with WFP to help food deficit countries become self-sufficient.

Given the size of the country's population, Chinese nationals are grossly under-represented in United Nations agencies, including WFP.

We need more of their talent, and intend to recruit it.

Our agency is a major global buyer of food, other goods and services. Its procurement needs are set to expand in the coming years, and the low-cost Chinese market, already a significant source, is well-placed to capitalize. So too is the country's price competitive shipping fleet.

We are also exploring the possibility of jointly producing relief items, such as micronutrient-enriched biscuits for the malnourished, here.

One of China's greatest, yet rarely acknowledged gifts to the world is the stability that prevails in this vast, diverse country. History teaches us that easing hunger and poverty promotes and sustains peace and stability. It is an invaluable lesson, one we should do our utmost to apply.

With the frequency and severity of food emergencies growing, the challenges confronting WFP, the world's largest humanitarian agency, have never been greater.

The world's most populous nation cares deeply about hungry people. Its singular success in tackling the problem at home and emergence as an economic powerhouse make it an ideal ally in our campaign to end this most compelling and curable of all global crises.

Working in partnership, we can do our part to make the world a better place.