a) Welcome Prof H Esser President of BiBB, welcomed the Delegation and gave the following introductory remarks: . The BiBB was a national and international institution of research and development in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system that represented Germany internationally. . The BiBB promoted the VET system internationally especially in developing / emerging industrialised countries. The VET system was in demand due to its dual system. The demand for advisory services in the VET system had risen in developing countries in the past few years as they were using this system to improve their productivity. . The shortage of skilled workers was a huge challenge for developing countries and the VET system offered points of departure for modernisation of this system in partner countries. . Skills Development in South Africa should be aligned to economic policies of the country to reduce unemployment, especially among young people. The VET system was industry driven and, it was crucial for South Africa to compel industries to take students for vocational training.