China calls for stronger int'l vocational education cooperation

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday called for efforts to strengthen international vocational education cooperation and development, urging efforts to enhance policy communication and the alignment of rules, and promote the cross-border flow and efficient allocation of skills. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a speech while attending the 2026 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference, which opened in Tianjin on Friday. He said in his speech that vocational education plays an important role in economic and social development, adding that the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation place higher demands on the training of skilled professionals. To boost international vocational education cooperation and development, Ding called for efforts to enhance policy communication and the alignment of rules, and promote the cross-border flow and efficient allocation of skills. He also called for promoting the deep integration of new technologies, such as digital, intelligent and green technologies, with vocational education, and cultivating highly skilled personnel who can better meet the needs of economic and social development. Efforts should also be made to enhance support for less-developed countries and regions, and deepen exchanges and cooperation through skills training and knowledge sharing, Ding said. China now has the world's largest vocational education system, with more than 10 million graduates each year. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), vocational education supplied more than 70% of the additional highly skilled workers in the country's modern industries. China has also established 38 Luban Workshops in 32 countries, providing academic education to more than 30,000 students and non-degree training to over 160,000 participants. Previously, the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference was held in 2022 and 2024. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy prime minister of Malaysia, and Khondker M. Talha, president of the 43rd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, addressed the conference in person and via video link, respectively....