BEIJING — Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua on Jan 26 called for continued efforts on poverty alleviation work and improving the livelihood of residents who have shaken off poverty.

The country should consolidate and expand its poverty alleviation achievements, keep current poverty-relief policies stable, and prevent people from falling back into poverty, Hu said at a meeting.

The vice-premier urged efforts to strengthen the top-level design on promoting rural vitalization and make policies more targeted and effective.

China has decided to set a five-year transition period for counties that have shaken off poverty and gradually shift the policy focus toward comprehensively promoting rural vitalization.