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 November 20 in Cox’s Bazar and distributed 65 Automated Sewing Machines. 

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.

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. 

Mr Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury, Mayor, Cox’s Bazar Municipality, Mr. Keita Sugimoto, Head, Cox’s Bazar Sub-Office, UNDP Bangladesh; and Mr Abraham Tumba, Programme Analyst, UNDP Bangladesh, were present during the distribution.

Addressing the local community, Mayor Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury said,  “Giving the urban poor, particularly women, the tools and skills they need to improve their livelihoods. Women’s engagement in economic activity would bring economic resilience, and everyone would be uplifted. I find it encouraging to see the work of UNDP and China are doing to bring the poor out of poverty.”

Mr. Keita Sugimoto, Head, Cox’s Bazar Sub-Office, UNDP Bangladesh; in his remarks, put emphasis on anticipating and mitigating the future risks by accelerating technology, engineering prosperity and advancing empowerment of vulnerable communities. He also mentioned how UNDP Bangladesh is working in different parts of the country, including  in Cox’s Bazar, hand in hand with government, development partners and donors towards sustainable development and climate and disaster resilience.

The beneficiaries, receiving the automated sewing machines and accessories, expressed their joy and hoped that stitching with machine, they will be able to support their families, ensure safety and realize their dreams.

BDST: 1819 HRS, NOV 20, 2023
MSK