"Hebei has already achieved remarkable results in the coordinated development of education over the past years. Next, we will make efforts on serving Beijing and Tianjin in some sectors," said Dong Zhaowei, vice-governor of Hebei.

Up to 15 vocational colleges in the region have initiated cross-provincial admissions and joint training programs for middle- and high-level vocational education. The three areas have jointly established 16 university alliances.

"Since the majority of graduates of Hebei's vocational colleges have found jobs in Beijing and Tianjin, supporting the development of vocational education in Hebei is a way of helping Beijing and Tianjin to cultivate talents," said Bu Lixin, Party secretary of Chengde College of Applied Technology, during an interview with Beijing Business Today.

"Meanwhile, strengthening the cooperation in vocational education between Hebei and Beijing-Tianjin can also provide more employment and development opportunities for students from Hebei, which is a win-win situation for the three places."