Shanghai, one of China’s most developed cities, on Friday won a bid to host the 46th WorldSkills Competition in 2021 at the General Assembly of WorldSkills in Abu Dhabi.

"I hereby confirm that the city of Shanghai in the People’s Republic of China shall host the 46th WorldSkills competition," announced Simon Bartley, President of WorldSkills International, following the presentations made by Chinese delegates and trainers of Shanghai.

This is also the first time China will host the competition.

China expressed its interest in hosting the event last October and announced Shanghai as the candidate city. Unveiled in May, the slogan, "New Youth, New Skills, New Dreams," indicates the core idea to change lives and realise dreams via skills.

Held every two years, WorldSkills is a global event for young people to demonstrate their vocational skills in competition as a way of promoting skill exchanges, experiences and technological innovations among young professionals.

Dubbed the "WorldSkill Olympics," it displays world-class levels of vocational skills in various fields. China’s hosting will have great significance in nurturing skills and talents and promoting the development of a powerful manufacturing country.

WorldSkills dates back to 1950 when it was first held in Madrid, Spain. The biennial event seeks to increase the awareness and prestige of vocational and blue-collar professions. China first participated in the event in 2011.

With a population of 1.3 billion, China has 100 million talents and 600 studios to develop skills of innovators.