Zanzibar — THE wife of Dr Lu Youqing, the Ambassador of the Peoples' Republic of China to Tanzania, Ms Mao Xiaoqiu, has donated sewing machines and bicycles to women groups in Zanzibar.

"Efforts being taken by the Zanzibar government in empowering women are commendable. I have also decided to support the move by contributing," said Xiaoqiu in her speech when donating 20 sewing machines and 20 bicycles to the women cooperatives in the islands.

She said that the best way to fight poverty and minimize the burden of unemployment in the country is by empowering women through skills building and vocational training for self employment. Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman, Minister for Labour, Economic Empowerment and Cooperatives, thanked the wife of the ambassador for the donation worth 8m/-.

"Chinese people remain our committed friends in development programmes." At the handing over ceremony held at the ministry's building, Haroun said his ministry has been working hard in collaboration with development partners to support youths and women groups in Zanzibar to make a change.

The Consul General of China in Zanzibar, Ms Chen Qiman, reiterated that continued development support to Zanzibar is vital as it supports women programmes.

The function was also attended by Ms Zainab Omar Mohamed, Minister for Social Welfare, Youths, Children, and Women Development; Ms Asha Bakar Makame, Vice- Chairperson of the CCM party women wing, and Ms Asha Ali Abdallah, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Economic Empowerment and Cooperatives.