China’s Premier Li Qiang calls for cooperation in skills development — ECNS
Chinese Premier Li Qiang spoke at the opening ceremony of the WorldSkills Conference 2026 in Shanghai on September 23. He called on countries to strengthen international exchanges and cooperation in the development of vocational skills, ECNS reports.
Skills development and technology
Li Qiang stated that China’s achievements reflect the significant contribution of vocational skills. According to him, traditional Chinese skills have been passed down between generations, and some of them have spread beyond the country, contributing to workforce training and industrial development in various countries, as well as mutual understanding and cultural integration.
The premier noted that China intends to further develop the integration of industry and vocational education, as well as cooperation between educational institutions and enterprises. He stressed that the new technological revolution and industrial transformation are significantly changing demand for skills.
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Artificial intelligence and international exchanges
Li Qiang also called for spreading basic knowledge about artificial intelligence, helping workers acquire new skills, and promoting high-quality and sufficient employment. China, he said, is ready to work with other parties to create a global innovation center in the field of skills, develop relevant areas within the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South cooperation.
The ceremony was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, WorldSkills International President Francis Hourant, and about 1,900 representatives from around the world. Alongside the competition in Shanghai, the WorldSkills Conference 2026 and the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 exhibition are being held. The 48th WorldSkills Competition involves 1,385 contestants from 68 countries and regions competing in 64 skills, with competition events scheduled to conclude on September 27.
