Chinese Minister of Education Chen Zhili said here this week that her ministry will go all out to provide assistance to universities in west regions, according to Thursday's edition of China Education Daily.

A number of elite schools in other parts of China, including Beijing and Qinghua universities, have been assigned by the ministry to collaborate with academically weak universities in the west.

Chen said that talent is essential to the development of the western region. A strong relationship between universities there and in other areas will play an important role in improving the quality of staff and the over economic situation.

Beijing University, for example, will help Xinjiang Shihezi University to outline its development plan, train teachers, improve administrative work and promote cooperation for research projects.

Meanwhile, departments within the ministry will also lend a hand to assist universities in the west.