China's battle against poverty "a huge success": Egyptian parliamentarian

China's efforts in fighting poverty has been "a huge success", making the country a major contributor to the world's poverty reduction endeavors, said Tariq al-Kholy, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Committee in the Egyptian House of Representatives.

By continuing with such efforts, China is expected to wipe out extreme poverty in 2020, al-Kholy told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.

High poverty rates are recorded in many countries, the Chinese experience in tackling the severe problem is an "inspiration to the world," he said.

Calling China's anti-poverty accomplishment a "real miracle", he said China lifted over 800 million people out of poverty during the past several decades, representing over 70 percent of global poverty reduction.

Al-Kholy took part in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2019. He said after 70 years China is making success in its main challenge which is lifting the people from the depths of poverty.

He attributed the success to the reform and opening-up policies, noting that China witnessed rapid growth during the past four decades.

The Egyptian parliamentarian hailed the Belt and Road Initiative, a project that aims at bringing win-win interests for countries.

Egypt and other countries along the Belt and Road will achieve economic gains from the project, he added.

Having visited China for five times since 2017, al-Kholy said his interaction with Chinese officials and society has left him a very positive impression about the country's development at all levels.

The Egyptian parliamentarian said what impressed him most during his China visits was that the country is maintaining rapid technological progress while preserving its cultural heritage.