Authorities in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are working with local private firms to help improve the lives of the region's poor.
To date, 1,600 companies have provided 550 million yuan (80 million U.S. dollars) in funding to poverty alleviation projects; generated 6,800 jobs; and donated 6 million yuan, according to figures released Monday by the region's federation of industry and commerce.
The federation and the regional poverty alleviation office launched a campaign in March, encouraging local companies and chambers of commerce to sign contracts with villages to help with poverty alleviation.
The companies have opened factories, created jobs and promoted trade in impoverished areas.
Jueit Imin, chairman with the federation, said thanks to the participation of firms these villages are closer to being lifted out of poverty.
