A promotion for poverty alleviation was held at a specialty shop in Shinan district, Qingdao, Shandong province March 25, and Zhao Kai, a famous actor and a native of the city, was invited to join the activity.

The specialty shop was established jointly by the district and Pingba district in Anshun, Guizhou province, with the aim of helping relieve poverty and promote agricultural products in Pingba. It was the first event of its kind in Qingdao.

The shop offers a variety of agricultural products and also recruits workers from poverty-stricken areas. All of its profits will be used to support the development of poor areas.

During the activity, Zhao tasted characteristic pastries, wine and green tea in Pingba, and learned about customs and culture there. He showed great interest in helping relieve poverty through rural industrial development and said he hopes to visit Anshun someday.

Zhao Kai (right), a famous actor and a native of Qingdao, learns about the characteristic products of Anshun, Guizhou province, at a specialty shop in Shinan district, Qingdao, Shandong province on March 25. [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]

The district has been seeking new ways to promote the coordinated development in East and West China and help with poverty alleviation in poor areas.

With the help of the social influence of celebrities, the district hopes to attract more public attention to the featured products in poverty-stricken areas and gather more social involvement.

In 2020, the district government plans to boost coordinated development in East and West China in industrial cooperation and talent support. The introduction of agricultural products in poor areas can help people there gain stable incomes and allow Qingdao's residents to enjoy fresh green food, said a local official.