Minister Anyakun hails Chinese contractor for talent incubator programme

Esther Anyakun, the state minister for Labour and Industrial Relations, has hailed a Chinese construction company for starting a talent incubator programme aimed at enhancing the skills of their local workforce.

The minister on Tuesday launched the Seagull Talent Training Project, started by China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) in Bwebajja, Wakiso district.

The programme draws professional workers from CCCC into one pool to give them specialized training by experts from Wuhan City Polytechnic Institute in China. The training will last two weeks.

“Your (CCCC) partnership with our government in organizing this training programme underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving socio-economic development,” she said.

She added that such programmes “not only equip participants with technical expertise but also cultivates a mindset of innovation, adaptability, and lifelong learning.”

“In a rapidly changing global landscape, characterized by technological advancements and economic transformation, the need for skilled labour has never been more pronounced. I wish all foreign contractors and investors can also relate the same way by leaving their workers self-reliant and self-sustainable once the projects are long completed,” she added.

Fan Xuecheng, the minister counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, said: “China always highly values people-to-people exchanges with Uganda. Vocational training and cultural exchange constitutes a major part of China-Uganda people-to-people exchanges.”

“We know that many talented young people in Uganda are looking for good jobs. Meanwhile, many companies find it hard to find qualified and trained employees. Wuhan City Polytechnic and CCCC are the pioneers for training smart and capable Ugandans to compete for those jobs,” Xuecheng added.

Zhao Wei, CCCC overseas general manager, said: “As an important participant in the implementation of “the Belt and Road” initiative, we have always been following the principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits by sharing with the world our experience and achievements in the path of China’s development for the purpose of building a community of shared future for mankind.”

“While implementing “facilities connectivity” in infrastructure and “policy coordination” in specifications and standards, we are also committed to jointly building people-people bond by carrying out a number of activities focusing on improving the livelihood, environmental protection,” he added.

The official also said they were committed to supporting other areas such as environmental protection.