The Belt and Road International Skills Competition raised the curtain on Monday in Southwest China's Chongqing. [Photo/chinanews.com]

The Belt and Road International Skills Competition raised the curtain on Monday in Southwest China's Chongqing.

About 700 people from 44 countries and regions participated in this event, the largest ever in China in its field.

On May 28 and 29, operating under the WorldSkills competition standard, they will compete in 18 skills, such as electronics, automobile technology, joinery, fashion technology, floristry and hairdressing.

WorldSkills, founded in 1946, organizes world championships of vocational skills and is held every two years in different parts of the world.

Since President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, over 150 countries and international organizations have partnered with China.

"This event will provide a platform for communications and exchange in vocational skills, and we hope it can play a positive role promoting economic and social development in every participating country and region," said Zhang Jinan, minister of human resources and social security, at the opening ceremony at the Chongqing International Expo Center.

He said the Chinese government highly values vocational skills development and the country now has over 160 million skilled workers, including 48 million highly skilled ones.

Shanghai will host the 46th WorldSkills in 2021, the first such opportunity for China.

"Like Belt and Road, WorldSkills is all about these connections," said Stefan Praschl, vice president for technical affairs and chair of the competitions committee at WorldSkills.

"Our organization brings together teachers, government officials and leaders of industry. Most importantly, we can inspire and educate millions of young men and women with the power of skills, for personal success and to build communities, companies and countries."

This event is hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the National Development and Reform Commission, China International Development Cooperation Agency and the Chongqing Municipal People's Government.