Bangladesh is developing a comprehensive technical and vocational education and training (TVET) ecosystem aligned with industry needs to link education directly with employment, amid growing demand for skills in artificial intelligence, digitalisation and green technology, Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said.

“We are building a comprehensive national ecosystem in which curricula are aligned with the practical needs of industry; teachers continuously update their knowledge and skills to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies; students gain hands-on, industry-linked experience; and the National Qualifications Framework directly creates opportunities for employment and livelihoods,” he said.

Milon made the remarks while delivering Bangladesh's national statement at the opening session of the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference 2026 in Tianjin, China, on Friday.

Held under the theme “TVET: Embracing Change Together, Setting Standards Together, Building the Future Together”, the conference brought together education ministers from more than 40 countries, government delegations from over 100 countries, UNESCO representatives and industry experts.

Speaking as a keynote speaker, Milon said human resources were Bangladesh's greatest asset and TVET served as a vital bridge between education, practical skills and employment.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China last June, he said the two countries had reaffirmed their commitment to educational cooperation and human resource development.

Highlighting Bangladesh's interest in China's technological expertise to modernise technical education and strengthen partnerships between industries and educational institutions, Milon called on countries to make their education systems adaptable to emerging technologies, tailor global TVET standards to national needs and strengthen cooperation among governments, educational institutions, industries and international organisations.

On the sidelines of the conference, Milon met Chinese Vice Minister of Education Ren Youqun to discuss upgrading technical institutions, launching joint programmes, expanding Chinese scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students and establishing a Bangladesh-China Joint Technical and Technology University in Bangladesh.

Both sides agreed to take prompt follow-up measures to advance the proposed cooperation.