Chinese New Year greetings, 2022, by Gilbert F. Houngbo, IFAD President

I would like to send my very best wishes to everyone around the world celebrating the Lunar New Year, and best of luck to those participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics.

2021 was a remarkable year for China who announced it eradicated absolute poverty. In less than two generations, China succeeded in lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty. No other country can claim to have brought such a large number of people out of poverty in such short period of time.

2021 was also a special year in the partnership between IFAD and China. Our relationship is special. Last year marked the 40^th anniversary of our partnership.

Over the past 40 years, IFAD development cooperation has help support China in achieving its goal of eradicating extreme poverty. More than 20 million rural men and women, living in the most poor and remote areas of the country, have benefited from IFAD’ support.

The experience and lessons from China’ successful poverty reduction can be shared and benefit other developing countries though South-South Cooperation.

As we begin the Year of Tiger, we can expect a year of energy, innovation and adventure. Under these auspices, I am sure the IFAD-China partnership will flourish. The rural revitalization agenda offers a clear entry point for IFAD-China cooperation, and we look forward to deepening our relationship.