“China is all committed to helping and supporting the government in addressing the core social challenges faced by the country including women empowerment, vocational training, education, poverty alleviation and agriculture,” Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing said on Tuesday in a consultative meeting with Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Secretary Omar Hamid Khan at the Chinese High Commission. BISP Secretary Omar Hamid Khan briefed the Chinese ambassador in detail about the key programmes of the country’s largest social safety net programme including National Socio-Economic Registry, conditional cash transfers, unconditional cash transfers, nutrition programmes and the looming issue of stunted growth in Pakistan. Considering the unprecedented historic support and collaboration of the Chinese government in all fields, the BISP secretary also sought possible collaboration avenues for better engagement options in skill development, job placement, social sector engagement and ultimately poverty reduction based on the Chinese Dil Bao model. Ambassador Yao Jing, not only acknowledged the contributions made by BISP towards social safety net in Pakistan, but also expressed his complete support and cooperation in delivering productive output for the marginalised segments of the society. He extended special invitation to BISP management to initiate China-funded specialised vocational training programmes and also offered to share new proposals for women empowerment and social protection to embed in China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Published in Daily Times, December 5th 2018.