State Councilor Shen Yiqin Addresses APEC Human Resources Meeting in Nanjing

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin addressed the opening ceremony of the 8th APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Highlighting the challenges brought by technological innovation and demographic shifts, Shen urged Asia-Pacific economies to invest in human capital, strengthen policy coordination, and promote high-quality, full employment. Delegates from APEC member economies, the secretariat, observers, and international organizations attended the event, which focused on shaping modern human resources to support an open, resilient Asia-Pacific community.

Human resource development is vital for Asia-Pacific economies navigating rapid automation, digital transformation, and demographic aging. China's push for collaborative vocational training and cross-border talent exchange signals an effort to shape regional labor standards and workforce strategies.

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the 8th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting on September 21 in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, according to reports by Xinhua and the State Council. The meeting convened under the theme of shaping modernized human resources to support the building of an Asia-Pacific community. Attendees included representatives from APEC member economies, the APEC Secretariat, observer delegations, and relevant international organizations. In her address, Shen referenced President Xi Jinping's view that human talent is the primary resource and the most dynamic element in innovation. Under this leadership, she stated, the Chinese government has adhered to a people-centered development philosophy, seeking to build a modern workforce characterized by sound quality, adequate quantity, optimized structure, and rational distribution. Shen noted that China has pursued a distinct human resources development path where economic expansion and livelihood guarantees reinforce one another. Highlighting regional dynamics, Shen emphasized that while human resources development across the Asia-Pacific holds immense potential, it faces significant headwinds from technological revolutions and shifting demographic structures. She affirmed China's willingness to work with regional partners to honor the original aspirations of Asia-Pacific cooperation. To address these changes, Shen proposed prioritizing investment in people, strengthening policy coordination, and upholding open, win-win cooperation. She called on APEC members to jointly promote high-quality and full employment, enhance vocational skills training, protect workers' legitimate rights and interests, and advance high-level international talent exchanges. Such efforts, she added, are essential to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community. During her trip to Jiangsu, Shen also conducted research on local cultural and tourism work. She stressed the importance of balancing development with safety and called for the integration of culture, tourism, sports, and commerce. Shen emphasized that the sector should play a stronger role in expanding domestic demand, stabilizing growth, boosting employment, and improving public well-being, while ensuring orderly and safe operations during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday periods.