Ethiopia takes part in first global conference on vocational training in China

Ethiopia has participated in the first World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference held in the northern coastal city of Tianjin in China.

The conference was held with the theme of “Vocational and Technical Education Development in the Post Pandemic Era-New Changes, New Ways and New Skills” from August 18–20, 2022.

Opening the conference with his congratulatory letter, President Xi Jinping of China said: technical and vocational education and training are closely associated with the socio-economic development of a country and noted its significance in boosting entrepreneurship and improving people’s livelihood.

Addressing the participants virtually Muferiat Kamil, Minister of Labor and Skills, noted that the Ethiopian government, recognizing the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training for the country’s overall socioeconomic development, has developed institutional and legal policy frameworks and made developing the sector a priority.

In this regard, the Luban Workshop Ethiopia, which was launched in 2021 in partnership with Tianjin University of Technology and Education and Ethiopia’s TVETI, is serving the country as a center of excellence in the sector, Muferiat said.

Dr. Teshale Berecha, Director General of the Federal Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institute, on his part, highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education and training in creating job opportunities and poverty reduction during his virtual presentation and reassured the participants that the institute will continue further strengthening its partnership with the Tianjin University of Technology and Education.

Ambassador Teshome Toga, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to China, who attended the conference in person, conducted sideline talks with high-level officials of Tianjin city and media personalities where he noted Luban workshop Ethiopia is providing high–end technical skills training to young Ethiopians and helping them meet the skills required of the market demand in the country.

At least 700 government and non-governmental participants from across the globe attended the event both in person and online.

The launching of the International Vocational Education Award, the establishment of the World Technical and Vocational Education Training League, and the launching of The Tianjin Initiative proposals were also announced during the conference.