Premier Li Qiang delivers opening remarks at WorldSkills Conference

Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the WorldSkills Conference 2026 in Shanghai on Wednesday. The following are key quotes from his address: 

-- Since the start of reform and opening up, China has made remarkable achievements in its development. "Made in China" products and "Chinese Services" are gaining increasing recognition around the world. These are attributable to the diligence and ingenuity of the Chinese people in which skills play an irreplaceable role.

-- Investing in skills is investing in the future, and empowering workers is empowering development. We will keep improving the VET system serving all workers and covering the whole life cycle, so that more workers could get continuous mid-career "recharge" and their skills could light up their road to a better life.

-- As skills were passed down through thousands of years, Chinese workers have not only created splendid material abundance, but left behind a legacy of craftsmanship. Today, such a spirit is enriched in the new era. A broad consensus is forged, that is, work is glorious, skills are precious, and creation is great.

-- China has built the WorldSkills Museum in Shanghai. We are ready to join all parties to build the global skills innovation center, strengthen skills development under the Belt and Road Initiative and through South-South cooperation, and better benefit people of all countries.