Social protection: Egyptian envoy for exchange of expertise

Hindam offers to sign MoU with BISP on microfinance and skills development.

The Egyptian ambassador has expressed his desire for exchange of technical expertise between the two countries in the fields of social protection, vocational training and microfinance.

During a meeting with Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairman Enver Baig on Wednesday, Egyptian Ambassador Said Mohamed Elsaid Hindam also offered to sign a memorandum of understanding with BISP on microfinance and skills development.

The BISP chairman explained that the institution was in the process of restructuring and redesigning its graduation schemes, as the monthly stipend has been raised from Rs1,000 to Rs1,200. He said BISP will continue to support beneficiaries until they can stand on their own two feet.

Baig said that the Punjab government was closely working with the BISP to formulate a national committee on vocational and skills development training. Hindam said that the Egyptian government also provides unconditional cash grants to the needy to alleviate inflationary effects on the poor.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2014.