KUNMING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Wang Yang has called for intensified efforts to help ethnic groups with small populations shake off poverty.
During a visit to southwest China's Yunnan province, Wang said small ethnic groups should not lag behind in the country's endeavor to build a moderately prosperous society.
He stressed that local governments should prioritize the task of helping these ethnic groups cast off poverty, and introduce more special poverty reduction measures.
Wang asked local authorities to ensure that the poor population have adequate food, clothing and safe accommodation, and have access to compulsory education and basic medical care.
People working to help the poor out of poverty should get more support from local authorities, and their real difficulties should be solved.
Yunnan is noted for a high level of ethnic diversity. Ethnic groups are widely distributed in the province, with some living in an almost uninhabitable environment and poverty.