China is willing to strengthen education cooperation with other Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) members in a wide range of areas, said Chinese Vice Education Minister Hao Ping on Thursday.

Hao made the remarks in his speech at the Second Asia-Europe Education Ministers' Meeting that opened in Hanoi on Thursday.

The meeting, within the framework of ASEM, drew minister-level officials and education specialists from 39 ASEM members and international organizations.

"Asia and Europe are engaged in all-round exchanges and cooperation," said Hao.

He expected strengthening cooperation in "curriculum development, language learning, scientific research, training for school teachers and principals, and more sharing of information and resources".

Hao said China always believe that education is the foundation of the all-round development of people and labor force. Chinese government has increased its annual input in educational development to ensure people's greater access to education.

Hao highlighted the needs to develop vocational education as the key to sustainable development of human resources.

He also said schools and universities should be run on a non-profit basis. China strives to ensure equal access to education for both the rich and the poor, and have improved the financial aid system for students from poor families.

During the two-day conference, participants discussed credit recognition and transfer in ASEM and sustainable human resources development for ASEM future needs.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung delivered opening remarks at the meeting, calling for closer Asia-Europe education cooperation to combat negative social impacts of the current financial and economic crisis.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2009)