SUVA, Sept. 9  -- China on Tuesday donated 600 sewing machines to Fiji, helping the South Pacific island country create opportunities for income generating and improve livelihood for women.

On behalf of the Chinese government, Huang Yong, Chinese ambassador to Fiji signed the donation document with Dr. Jiko Luveni, Fiji's minister for social welfare, women and poverty alleviation.

The sewing machines are expected to help hundreds of women achieve self worth through creative work, and benefit hundreds of families and thousands of people in Fiji, Huang said.

"This is very good cooperation in this field and we hope to strengthen our partnership in the future and the Chinese government is always willing to provide assistance within its capability for the welfare of Fijian people," the ambassador said, adding that "Women's work is vital for the country and this is related to stability and harmony of the society which is the symbol of civilization."

Luveni expressed her gratitude and appreciation towards China on behalf of Fiji.

"On behalf of the Fijian government, and the people of Fiji, I would like to once again acknowledge the People's Republic of China for this timely donation and I sincerely hope that Fiji- China bilateral ties and friendship will continue to flourish in the many more years to come," said Luveni.

"These machines will benefit rural-based women's groups, peri- urban and informal settlements-based dwellers... Through the sewing machine program, children from underprivileged families have been assisted with new school uniforms made in their homes," she added.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation has assisted more than 1,700 women's groups with 2,800 sewing machines, 20 straight industrial machines and five overlook sewing machines donated by the Chinese government and other donor agencies, Fijian government statistics show.