To enhance livelihood opportunities and address economic challenges, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in association with the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, organised a community handover event on Monday at Beder Bosti of Korail Community in Dhaka's Banani and distributed 1,425 automated sewing machines.

The event was part of the China-UNDP Triangular and South-South Cooperation Project on Strengthening Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)-related Manufacturing Capacity in Asia and the Pacific Region.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) MAyor Atiqul Islam Chinse Ambaddasor to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller were present on the occasion.

“Giving the urban poor, particularly women, the tools and skills they need to improve their livelihoods, we can create a city where no one is left behind and everyone is uplifted," said Atiqul.

"As the Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, I find it encouraging to see the work that UNDP and China are doing to bring the poor out of poverty, he added.

“I am happy to witness the positive impact of the China-UNDP collaboration in empowering vulnerable communities," said the Chinese ambassador.

"We appreciate China's support, not only in our work within China itself but also in various countries through south-south cooperation mechanisms, which involve expertise and funding to promote economic empowerment and skill development, like today at this distribution of automated sewing machines for the urban poor community, mainly women," said Liller.

UNDP is supporting 1,245 individuals and six cooperatives by providing a total of 1,425 automated sewing machines received from China. These machines, coupled with skill-enhancement training, aim to encourage entrepreneurship and readiness for job opportunities in the ready-made garment sector.