ILO/China Partnership Project

New skills network to promote South-South cooperation launched

News | 10 November 2021
Apprenticeship training at a technician college
BANGKOK (ILO News) – A new network is set to promote knowledge sharing on skills development between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in China and Southeast Asia.

The Skills Development Network through South-South Cooperation was launched at an online ceremony held 10 November 2022. Supported by the International Labour Organization-China Partnership Project, the network brings together 22 TVET institutes from China, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar.

The network will promote technical cooperation between pairs of TVET institutions from participating countries. Activities will include exchange programmes of trainers and students, curriculum development, fora and workshops, coaching activities, and competitions. The network will also promote research and development as well as coordination and cooperation with businesses and industries in response to labour market demands.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Panudda Boonpala, International Labour Organization Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific said, “Many countries in Asia and the Pacific face similar skills development challenges. However, across the region there is a wealth of examples of how countries have addressed these challenges over time as well as responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the launch of this Skills Development Network is most timely.”

Taking part in the launch were Mr Tang Tao, Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Security of China; Mr Pich Sophoan, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, Cambodia; Mr Phongxaysack Intharath, Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Lao PDR as well as representatives of participating TVET institutes and the ILO.

For more information, please contact Mr Yutong Liu, Project Manager and Coordinator for the ILO-China Partnership Project atliuyu@ilo.org.