The opening ceremony of the 2021 China-ASEAN Vocational Education Exhibition and Forum is held both online and on-site in Nanning on Sept 27. [Photo by Li Muhang/chinadaily.com.cn]

The opening ceremony of the 2021 China-ASEAN Vocational Education Exhibition and Forum was held both online and on-site at Guangxi Polytechnic of Construction in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Sept 27.

Themed on "Skills serve a better life," the event gathered more than 550 attendees including government officials from China and ASEAN, experts, and representatives from vocational colleges.

It is expected to build a cooperation platform between China and countries alongside the Belt and Road, enhance communication and cooperation between China and ASEAN in education, and achieve common prosperity.

Attendees tour the Guangxi Polytechnic of Construction after the ceremony. [Photo by Li Muhang/chinadaily.com.cn]

Having been held five times since 2012, the event has facilitated the cooperation between nearly 20 domestic vocational colleges and ASEAN vocational colleges, and has made contributions to the integrated development of the regional economy.

Huang Junhua, vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, expressed his hope during the ceremony that both China and ASEAN countries can grasp opportunities brought by vocational education cooperation, which is an important part in deepening the overall opening-up and cooperation between China and ASEAN.

H.E. Dr Charlie Than, union minister of Myanmar's Ministry of Industry, said that he hopes China can launch joint cooperation with ASEAN countries to push forward vocational education development.