BEIJING — China's Ministry of Commerce has pledged more measures to lift people out of poverty as the country tries to coordinate efforts in poverty relief and the fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Local commerce authorities should carry out brand promotional fairs and e-commerce training programs to smooth the sales channels for farm produce from poor areas, the ministry said on March 12 in a statement.

Efforts should be made to help workers from poor counties return to work while online training programs should be arranged for those who can not return to their posts, for the time being, it said.

The ministry will also support companies in poor areas to expand the international market via exhibition platforms such as the Canton Fair, it said.

China's determination to achieve the goal of poverty elimination remains unwavering despite the impact from the COVID-19, Liu Yongfu, director of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, said at a press conference on March 12.