Abstract: In the context of the rising of central China, whether the poor counties in the central region can quicken their economic development speed and improve their economic development quality is directly related to the realization of the strategic goals of economic development of the central provinces. By analyzing the case of Guangchang, a national poverty-stricken county in Jiangxi Province, this paper conducts a targeted study of the economic development strategy options for the specific poverty-stricken counties in Jiangxi. Based on the basic county conditions and the opportunities for development, it puts forward the basic principles for the selection of economic development strategy at county level; then it clarifies the selection of strategic goals for county economic development and the specific strategic positioning to realize these goals.

Key words: rise of central China; poor counties; strategic choice