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2009-05-15
Mr. Johnpillai, Brandix employees, trainees, honored guests.
On behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, I want to thank you for inviting me here today. For the last few months, I have been hearing a great deal about the new Brandix Factory in Punani. It is very exciting to be here in person to see for myself.
I want to congratulate you on this wonderful new facility. It is tangible evidence of the commitment Brandix has made to help revitalize the Eastern Province. By building this factory and creating new jobs here in Punani, Brandix has changed the economic opportunities for the hundreds of employees who work here, for their families, and for their communities.
These new jobs bring money into the Punani community, which I know will encourage other economic development in the area. New businesses will open, new services will become available, and new jobs will be created. And, that is good for everyone in the area.
I also want to congratulate all of you who are training to become sewing machine operators. When you have completed the training program, you will have a new job skill that will be valuable to you. You should feel very proud of yourselves.
As sewing machine operators, you will be able to work and earn a good salary. That will help you take care of your families and your communities – not just today, but in the future as well.
And, over time, you will be able to save money. I know that Brandix has been encouraging all of you to save money using the bank pass books. As a woman, I think it is important for all women to save money for important goals – to start a business, build a house, pay for school fees for your children, or prepare for an unexpected emergency.
So, to all the trainees with us today, I encourage you to keep working hard toward a better future.
To Brandix staff and management, I congratulate you again on this beautiful building and on your commitment to helping rebuild the Eastern Province. USAID is also committed to helping communities affected by the conflict build a better future. We are proud to be your partner, we look forward to working with you in the future – to train more workers and create new jobs that benefit all the people of the East.
Thank you.
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