Developing vocational education has become a key part of strategies to revitalize the Chinese economy, to better the people’s living standards and to promote social harmony, State Councilor Liu Yandong, told the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Symposium on Technical and Vocational Education held in Qingdao, in a congratulatory letter on Tuesday.

Over the past five years, 38 million individuals have graduated form vocational education, while 150 million laborers from both rural and urban areas have benefited from training, according to Lu Xin, vice minister of Ministry of Education.

At present, the country has 16,000 schools for secondary and higher vocational education, accounting for a half of the total number secondary and higher educational facilities.

In her congratulatory letter Liu said that the ASEM has provided a significant platform for dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe.

“China has long been a firm advocate of cooperation between Asia and Europe. The ASEM Technical and Vocational Education Symposium is being held to fulfill the proposal made at the ASEM8 and to promote the progress of ASEM cooperation,” she said.

“At present, developing vocational education has become a key part of strategies to revitalize our economy, to better the people’s living standards and to promote social harmony，“ Liu added.

According to Lu, an action plan for secondary vocational education for 2010-2012 has been made, in which a number of new training bases for vocational education will be established. More full-time and part-time teachers and trainers will also be hired and enterprises will be further encouraged to participate in the sector.

“By 2012 significant progress will have been made in vocational education, benefiting the national economy and people’s livelihood. A number of related policies, regulations and mechanisms should also be largely established,” Lu told those gathered at two-day event in a keynote speech.

Themed as “Increasing the appeal of vocational education and promoting employment in the new global economic climate”, the symposium has attracted more than 200 participants from 23 countries and regions.

By Xie Chuanjiao and Dai Yan （China Daily Qingdao Bureau）