DONGGUAN - State Councilor Liu Yandong has called for overall efforts to boost the quality of higher education being offered in the country.

High quality higher education is a must for a strong nation, Liu said while addressing a national meeting on higher education Sunday.

Liu said lifting quality is the most important and urgent task facing the tertiary education sector.

To cultivate talents should be the core mission of higher education while scientific research should also be an important focus, Liu said.

She urged colleges and universities to explore new teaching methods and improve the innovation system through enhanced coordination with research institutes and enterprises.

In addition, Liu stressed efforts to expand the decision-making right of colleges and universities in an active and steady manner and improve the quality standard and evaluation system concerning services offered in higher education institutions.