BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Sept. 22 to the 48th WorldSkills Competition.

Xi noted that at present a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating breakthroughs, profoundly impacting on global skills development. The WorldSkills Competition closely aligns with industrial needs, providing a beneficial platform for talented people from various countries to refine their skills and learn from each other, Xi said.

Xi stressed that China will use the opportunity of hosting this year's competition to encourage and guide more workers, especially young people, to pursue a path to success through skill development. "We are willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with all parties to promote the development of the WorldSkills movement, thereby better serving global economic growth and the improvement of people's well-being," he said.

The 48th WorldSkills Competition opened in Shanghai the same day, with the theme "Master Skills, Change Your Future." It is organized by WorldSkills International and co-hosted by China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. During the competition, the WorldSkills Conference and the WorldSkills Expo will also be held.