Schools in Hong Kong and Guangdong will work closer, especially in organizing more exchange activities, with officials from the two places signing a framework agreement on strengthening education exchanges and cooperation.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki was present for the signing by Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin and the director-general of the provincial education department, Zhu Kongjun.

"The signing marks a key step forward in Hong Kong and Guangdong's progress in promoting high-level cooperation and pursuing high quality development," said Chan.

"The agreement complements national development strategies including the 14th five-year plan and the development of the Greater Bay Area.

"It can facilitate further education collaboration and exchanges, nurture talents for the social and economic development of the GBA, and make greater contributions to the high-quality development of the country."

It also encourages higher institutions to collaborate on education services, talent cultivation and tech exchanges.

It also aims to enhance cooperation on vocational education cooperation, promote the establishment of sister schools, facilitate exchange activities and enhance the quality of such exchanges, thus supporting training and exchanges of teachers.

The Vocational Training Council also signed a memorandum of understanding with Guangdong to launch different collaborative projects.

They will actively participate in developing the GBA Vocational Education Park and get Guangdong students to enroll in the VTC's higher diploma and undergraduate programs.

Guangdong's education department will support VTC's first mainland operation center and provide it with guidance in organizing the GBA Explorer Trip program to enrich students appreciation of GBA developments.

Guangdong opens up on education exchanges