"For developing countries, speeding up the development of education and improving the educational level of the workforce will boost employment and economic growth and help narrow their gap in knowledge, human resources and skills," Hu said in a written speech to an outreach session of the G8 summit in St. Petersburg.

    An exchange mechanism can be set up between the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations and developing countries as part of the efforts to promote international cooperation in education, he said.

    He said China would be happy to host a symposium of presidents of research-oriented universities on international exchange and cooperation in education.

    Highlighting the importance of "education for all" and "continuing education," Hu said UN agencies and other international organizations as well as bilateral aid programs should be encouraged to set them as priority goals.

    Efforts should also be made to help developing countries improve capacity building in human resources development and ensure their equal participation in international cooperation and rule-making in education, he added.

    The G8 leaders met with leaders of six developing countries -- Brazil, China, India, Mexico, the Republic of Congo and South Africa -- on Monday for the outreach session to discuss issues of common concern.

    The discussion focused on energy security, fighting communicable diseases, education and Africa's development. Enditem

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