Seminar on Ethnic Policy and Practice in China

Representatives from the ministries of Social Affairs, Interior Affairs and Natural Resources have participated in the “Seminar on National Ethnic Policy and Practice for Developing Countries in Human” which was held in China. According to the National Information Institute (NII), state employees attended lectures and presentations and made field trips from August 4 until August 24. There were 61 participants in total from Belarus, Indonesia, Myanmar, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Bosnia Herzegovina, Laos, Vietnam, Equador, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Palestine. The central theme at the seminar was giving opportunities to ethnic minority groups and pulling them out of poverty. China has 56 ethnic groups of which 55 (±9%) are ethnic minorities. The ethnic groups in China each have their language, clothing etc. China deems it important for all ethnic groups to have a decent existence which is why policies are aimed at helping ethnic minorities.

China’s biggest goal at this moment is to eradicate all poverty nationwide in 2020. All provinces where poverty has already been eradicated are lending a help to achieve this goal. Suriname does not have that many ethnic groups but the difference between groups is clearly noticeable. The Surinamese delegation made a huge impression with its presentation because Suriname has various ethnic groups despite its small population while other countries only have one crowd. Our diverse population makes us unique. During the field trips it became clear that the ethnic minorities work with their hands and do agriculture. The agriculture is given a boost by companies which distribute it further to others. The Chinese market provides much to consumers which is why to only import very little to no products which can be produced by the Chinese people. The participants were full of praise of the seminar which according to them was well organized. They have gained many insights at all fronts which they will share with others in Suriname.