Zhang Dejiang (C), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, communicates with students applying for jobs in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, April 13, 2015. Zhang Dejiang checked enforcement of the Vocational Education Law in central China's Henan Province from April 12 to 15. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)
Top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang has asked authorities to strengthen vocational education.
Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress, China's top legislature, made the remarks while checking enforcement of the Vocational Education Law in central China's Henan Province from April 12 to 15.
"China's economic development has entered a 'new normal', and there is great demand for high-caliber technical personnel as we pursue innovation-driven growth," Zhang said.
Henan is one of the most populated Chinese provinces with about 100 million residents. Zhang urged the local government to provide manual workers with techniques and skills.
Vocational education should lead to better employment, he added.
