2011-02-17 22:56

WUXI, Jiangsu - Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang said Thursday that developing quality labor and vocational skills would greatly contribute to the social and economic development of the Asia-Pacific region.

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He made the remarks while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony for the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) Skills Development Promotion Center which was launched in China's eastern city of Wuxi.

The Center will play a positive role in enhancing human resources cooperation between APEC members and achieve "inclusive growth" in the region, Zhang said.

The Chinese government has always held that human resources are the most important resource in social and economic development, and it would continue to actively take part in APEC activities that encourage regional exchanges and cooperation in human resource development, he said.

China would fully support the APEC Skills Development Promotion Project and the development of the center with financial and technical backup, making it a platform for vocational training and personnel exchanges between APEC members, he added.

The decision to establish the center was announced by Chinese President Hu Jintao during the 18th APEC Economic Leaders'  Meeting in November last year, which sought to advance cooperation on human resources within the APEC framework.