Skills conference helps the world connect

At the Tianjin conference, Muferihat Kamil, Ethiopia's minister of labor and skills, praised China's Luban Workshop initiative, which has been providing advanced vocational training for Ethiopian youth since 2021.

"Through this collaboration, thousands of young Ethiopians have gained access to world-class technical and vocational training, equipping them with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in today's rapidly evolving global landscape," Kamil said, adding that the two countries share a commitment to enhancing innovation and developing human capital.

To date, the Luban Workshop initiative in Africa has expanded significantly since its inception in March 2019, with 17 workshops established in 15 countries, including Egypt, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire. Providing high-level vocational education to young Africans, these workshops are an integral facet of Sino-African cooperation in talent development.

Offering a range of majors, including railway, machinery, electrical equipment, manufacturing, automobile, information technology, metallurgy, and e-commerce, the workshops have empowered more than 10,000 young people. Meanwhile, the Luban Workshop is also offering training programs in Tianjin, exemplifying its commitment to global educational collaboration.