Chongqing - The second Belt and Road International Skills Competition, being held in Chongqing from June 24 to 26, promotes skills exchange and cooperation among Belt and Road partner countries. 

Under the theme "Skills Cooperation, Joint Development," the event attracts 590 elite participants from 61 countries and regions, including Australia, Pakistan, Canada, and Singapore, to participate and observe.

With 190 participants, 183 judges, and 30 translators, the competition also sees attendance from ministerial-level officials and technical observers from various countries.

The competition features 18 events in total. Of these, 11 are WorldSkills Competition events, including Digital Construction, Logistics and Freight Forwarding, Electronics, Electrical Installations, and Optoelectronic Technology.

Additionally, there are seven other competition events: Automobile Technology (New Energy), Rail Signal Control Technology, Industrial Robot System Operation, Coffee Making, Internet Marketing, and more.

At the opening ceremony, 61 teams appeared. The Chinese team includes 18 participants, with four from Chongqing competing in Digital Construction, Beauty Therapy, Rail Signal Control Technology, and Coffee Making.

At the opening ceremony, 61 teams made their appearances one by one. (Photo/Chen Yuting)

Wang Xiaoping, Secretary of the Leading Party Group and Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, stated that skills are the foundation of a strong nation and the basis for career development.

Wang emphasized the need to accelerate the new wave of technological revolution and the deep development of industrial chains. As countries modernize at an increasing pace, there is a pressing need to cultivate a continuous stream of high-quality, skilled talent.

Wang added that China has over 200 million skilled workers, including more than 60 million highly qualified individuals. This competition serves as an important practice for promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. It provides an excellent platform for showcasing outstanding young talent and facilitating mutual learning and exchange.

Chongqing has implemented several initiatives to enhance skills exchange compared to the previous competition. These include recording and releasing training videos, organizing exchange visits, and conducting online training sessions.

These efforts ensure better preparation for the participants, diversify the exchange methods, and significantly improve training outcomes through the competition.

This competition enhances Chongqing's international ties and fosters local skilled talent. Chongqing has over 5.36 million skilled professionals, including 1.7 million highly skilled, making it the leading city in Western China.