A New Zealand-China joint technical and vocational training center launched in Beijing Thursday will foster research links and help knowledge transfer, according to New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Steven Joyce.

Chinese Vice Minister of Education Du Zhanyuan and Joyce together unveiled a plaque establishing the Virtual Technical and Vocational Education and Training Research Center at China's Central Institute for Vocational and Technical Education (CIVTE).

The center was a step in the development of the New Zealand- China Vocational Education and Training Model Program first announced during Prime Minister John Key's visit to China in April, Joyce said in a statement from his office.

He and Chinese Education Minister Yuan Guiren had launched the program in recognition of the fact that up-skilling a workforce was one of the most important challenges in developing a competitive economy, said Joyce.

"For economic development, a more highly skilled workforce is essential for higher productivity, competitiveness and profitability. Better skills contribute to sustained employment, career progression and the sustainable development of an economy and society as a whole," Joyce said.

The center would be managed by CIVTE, which was an agency under China's Ministry of Education, and the New Zealand government's Education New Zealand agency.