BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang called on local authorities to develop vocational education through strengthened supervision.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress, China's top legislature, made the remarks while inspecting vocational education in the southwest municipality of Chongqing.

He was in Chongqing from April 25 to 27 to inspect adherence to the Vocational Education Law.

While visiting training bases and workshops, he called on enterprises to offer courses that combine education and industry.

In a trip to an employment center, Zhang stressed that more effort was needed to develop vocational education and employment services for graduates.

"The government should include vocational education in local economic and social development plans and stipulate effective rules and policies," said Zhang.

He also identified financial support, more attention to rural and underdeveloped regions, vocational college reform and better vocational and general education synergy as areas that need attention.