The 2001 International Week on Vocational Education: "Strengthening International Cooperation and Exchange in Vocational Education in the 21st Century" is due to open here Thursday.

The China Education Association for International Exchange, the sponsor, made this announcement Wednesday at a press conference.

Over 500 representatives from over 30 vocational institutions in 13 nations will participate in the international gathering, which includes a series of seminars.

The participants will share their views on the development of vocational education in different countries, and they will also set up stands exhibiting their own achievements and present their models of vocational schooling.

Foreign representatives and Chinese officials in charge of vocational education and leaders of local vocational schools will hold talks on cooperation and exchanges.
According to officials from the association, the international week is expected to have a positive effect on the development of

China's vocational education in the new century, especially in the tenth five-year plan period (2001-2005).

The international event will last until May 20.