Shanxi aims to lift 660,000 people in rural areas out of poverty during 2017, according to the government work plan delivered at the seventh session of the 12th Shanxi Provincial People's Congress on Jan 14.

By exploring modern agriculture and tourism, as well as developing e-commerce and a photovoltaic power industry, the local government will attempt to eradicate poverty in 14 counties and offer villagers more job opportunities. Also, 120,000 residents living below the poverty line will be relocated.

As a province with half of its counties officially in poverty, Shanxi has been committed to tackling the issue in recent years. In 2016, the province drew up a plan on furthering poverty alleviation during the 13th Five Year Plan (2016-2020), helping 1,900 villages overcome financial difficulties.