The bustling city of Chongqing welcomed the first international team for the upcoming Second Belt and Road International Skills Competition, set to take place from June 24 to 26. The team from Tonga, a Pacific island nation, landed at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport on Thursday night, marking the beginning of an event that will gather over 300 participants from 60 countries and regions.
The Tongan delegation, comprising five members—including team leader Fatuimoana Pahulu, two referees, and two competitors—will showcase their skills in Internet of Things (IoT) installation and commissioning, as well as information network cabling. This marks their first participation in the competition and their inaugural visit to the Chinese mainland.
“We are excited to be here in Chongqing,” said Pahulu. “We hope to learn from China’s advancements in information technology and computers and bring this valuable knowledge back to Tonga.”
Team member Semisi Tuimotulalo Hopoi, who has been studying the Chinese language in Beijing for six years, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition. “Participating in this event is a dream come true,” he said. “I look forward to showcasing our skills and learning from our international peers.”
Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the National Development and Reform Commission, the Second Belt and Road International Skills Competition embodies the principles of openness, intelligence, green development, safety, and uniqueness. The event aims to foster international cooperation and exchange in vocational skills among Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries.
According to Wang Xiaojun, an official with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, this year’s competition features 11 skills areas from the WorldSkills Competition and seven additional areas tailored to the industrial development needs of BRI countries. “The event will include a diverse array of competitions, exchanges, and exhibitions,” Wang said in an interview with CGTN on May 28. “Digital technology will play a crucial role in organizing and supporting the competition, including the use of artificial intelligence to assist in judging.”
As more teams arrive in Chongqing, the city prepares to host a gathering of global talent, fostering collaboration and innovation across industries. The competition not only provides a platform for participants to demonstrate their skills but also encourages cultural exchange and mutual learning among nations along the Belt and Road.
Reference(s):
First team lands in Chongqing for B&R International Skills Competition
cgtn.com
