In a vibrant celebration of vocational talents from around the globe, the second Belt and Road International Skills Competition commenced on Monday in Chongqing Municipality, southwest China. The three-day event brings together over 300 participants from diverse corners of the world, showcasing a spirit of international cooperation and exchange.
This year’s competition features 11 skill areas, ranging from freight logistics and floristry to hairdressing and pastry making. It’s a testament to the importance of vocational skills in today’s interconnected economies and the growing emphasis on practical expertise.
Participants hail from various continents, including 20 from Asia, 10 from Europe, 23 from Africa, two from Oceania, and three from the Americas. With an average age of 22, the competition is a youthful affair, highlighting the next generation’s readiness to contribute to global development. Remarkably, over 95 percent of the competitors are aged 30 or younger, and more than 40 percent are 20 or younger.
One of the young talents, 18-year-old Yu Junjie, is competing in the electrical techniques category. \”This project requires us to apply the principles of electronics to solve real-world problems by designing and manufacturing functional circuits,\” Yu explained. \”This includes circuit design, embedded programming, troubleshooting, circuit board assembly, soldering, and testing. Currently, I can solder over 350 joints in about three hours, which would likely place me among the top three in the country,\” he said.
The competition not only serves as a platform for these young professionals to demonstrate their skills but also fosters international dialogue and learning. Wang Xiaojun, deputy director general of the Vocational Capacity Building Department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, emphasized the event’s significance. \”The competition helps serve as a platform for learning and exchanging vocational skills for Belt and Road Initiative partner countries and regions,\” Wang said.
By bringing together participants from various cultural and professional backgrounds, the event underscores the Belt and Road Initiative’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and mutual understanding across nations. As the competition unfolds, it promises to inspire both participants and spectators with displays of creativity, precision, and innovation in vocational skills.
Reference(s):
2nd Belt and Road International Skills Competition opens in Chongqing
cgtn.com
