Chongqing gears up to host second Belt and Road International Skills Competition

The second Belt and Road International Skills Competition will kick off in Chongqing on Monday, showcasing China's commitment to fostering talent exchange within the Belt and Road Initiative framework.

This three-day event, running from June 24 to 26, will see 190 competitors from China and abroad vying for top honors in 18 skill categories. Participants, primarily young adults with an average age of 22, hail from countries like Russia, Germany, and Kazakhstan. The competition focuses on high-tech and life-related skills, with events ranging from hairdressing and logistics to unmanned aerial vehicle maintenance.

Beyond the competition itself, attendees can participate in various side events, including forums on digital skill development and international skill exchange activities.

"Our ministry has actively promoted skills exchange and cooperation with BRI countries, international organizations, and companies in recent years," said Wang Xiaojun, a Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security official, at a Sunday press conference. "These collaborations have yielded positive results."

Wang emphasized the ministry's efforts in nurturing skilled talent specifically for overseas branches of Chinese companies and BRI partner nations.

Chongqing, the host city in southwestern China, serves as a prime example of successful BRI skills exchange and cooperation.

"In recent years, Chongqing has established partnerships with over 30 countries and regions, including Singapore and Germany, as well as international industry associations," said Quan Wei, a Chongqing government official. "This international collaboration has significantly bolstered our skilled workforce."

Quan highlighted Chongqing's current skilled worker population of over 5.36 million, with 1.7 million categorized as highly skilled. "These skilled professionals are a cornerstone of our city's social and economic development," he concluded.

This competition builds upon the success of the inaugural Belt and Road International Skills Competition held in Chongqing in May 2019.

Tan Yingzi and Deng Rui in Chongqing contributed to this story.