Chinese envoy hands over sewing machines to Behbud

Islamabad: It was in May last year that Diana Bao, the wife of the former ambassador of China, visited Behbud Headquarters in Rawalpindi with several Chinese ladies and gentlemen accompanying her.

Diano was so impressed with one of Pakistan’s oldest NGO, working for poverty alleviation, that not only did she suggest bringing in Chinese embroidery experts to pass on their

skills but also noted the lack of sewing and embroidery machines, which would enhance the skills of the workers here.

Speaking to Vice President Behbud, Abida Malik and dozens of other volunteers, after seeing work done in health, education, technical training and embroidery departments, Diana remarked, “I have been in Pakistan for nearly four years and Behbud is one of the most well organisations that I have visited. I am truly impressed, as this is one way that poverty could be eliminated”.

On Thursday evening on the invitation of the Chinese Deputy Chief of Mission Zhao Lijian, a senior members group of Behbud volunteers as well as those running the Rawalpindi headquarters were invited to be handed over gifts from the Chinese Government, which will go a long way in further helping poverty alleviation in Pakistan.

“We are handing over to Behbud, 10 lock-stitch sewing machines, three over-lock machines, two embroidery machines and 10 mannequins,” said Zhao Lijian in the spacious veranda of the Chinese embassy.

Earlier, while talking to Behbud volunteers, he recalled the great admiration that Diana had for them and said this Chinese gift was on her suggestion, as she had never forgotten her visit to Behbud.

The senior diplomat who appeared to be a serious reader of ‘The News’, pointed out that the signature project of the Chinese government was also ‘poverty alleviation,’ where so far over 700 million Chinese have been lifted from below the poverty line.

He pointed out that the Chinese Foreign Office adopts three districts in China and help towards poverty alleviation.“It is a serious responsibility and if results are not satisfactory we are held accountable,” Zhao Lijian told ‘The News’.

“By the end of 2020, we hope to lift every Chinese under the poverty line and hope by then no-one will be left behind. Every month millions are being lifted,” the diplomat remarked as he held forth on different topics of interest to China and Pakistan.

Behbud was thankful for the Chinese machines specially since this donation would see that further thousands of Pakistani women will be lifted from poverty and earn respectful livelihood.During the conversation, Behbud expressed interest in seeking Chinese cooperation in the field of education in the future as well.

Behbud hopes that in time to come they could be proud owners of laser cutting machines as well, as these would take Behbud to another level no doubt.These machines are noted for their extreme accuracy, clean cuts and sealed fabric edges to prevent fraying on many different materials, like silk, nylon, leather, neoprene, polyester and cotton.Those who have seen the tremendous efforts that Behbud makes the year around, should not hesitate to ensure that they are provided these laser cutting machines.