BEIJING - Beijing and neighboring Hebei province began an official exchange program on Friday as the capital pursues integrated development with its neighboring regions.

The program will last five years and each side will send 100 officials for exchange this year.

The exchanged officials will work in the neighboring office for one year, primarily promoting the integrated development of Beijing and Hebei.

The program would involve departments such as development and reform, transportation, environmental protection, and technology. The two places would also exchange experts in major industries.

Hebei had received investments worth 450 billion yuan ($73.6 billion) from Beijing in the past year.