Tailoring workshop helps rural get out of poverty

There are more than 150 women employed in the workshop, which is owned by Jiqiang clothing company, and 128 of them are from impoverished households. Most of the company's garments, such as protective clothing and waterproof suits, are sold to Europe, mainly to Germany.

Responding to the central leadership's call for enhancing collaboration between Eastern and Western regions in the fight against poverty, the local government introduced the company from Fujian province in August 2019 with preferential policies.

Chen Guangping, who is in charge of the company, said that average income for the workers reached about 2,100 yuan, which helped lift 126 registered impoverished households out of poverty.

During the pandemic, the company's production has dropped 40 percent, but Chen said that the company didn't lay off anyone and even continued to recruit workers.

He said that the extensive labor resources in Xiji meet his company's needs, and he believes that as the workers' skills improve, production will continue to increase.

In the first half of this year, the total output value of the company reached 4,251 million yuan, with profit at 79,000 yuan, according to Chen.

Ma Yaohong, director of the management committee of the industrial park where the company is located, said that the committee provides employees with training in relevant laws and regulations and skills before taking a job.

During the training period, they can earn a minimum wage of 1,800 yuan per month, he said, adding that it will also offer labor and employment subsidy for them during the training period.

Miao Lina contributed to this story.