The Volta Region of Ghana and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China on Tuesday signed a co-operation pact to serve the mutual interests of the two political administrative areas.

The first ever province- to- province pact to be initialled would create the opportunities for China to support the development of agriculture and agri-business and the petro-chemical industries in the Region.

Mr Joseph Amenowode, Regional Minister signed for the region while Mr Gong Jian Zhong, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana initialled for the Ningxia Hui Province.

Mr Amenowode said the deal was facilitated by Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli and President of the Regional House of Chiefs, with support from the Regional Co-ordinating Council.

He mentioned education and tourism as among other areas of co-operation between the two provinces.

The Regional Minister hinted that a big Chinese company is about to invest in large agro-businesses in the region and another in oil exploration.

The two regions had earlier signed a memorandum of intent during a visit to China in September this year by a quasi-political team comprising of chiefs and business people from the area, led by Mr Amenowode.

Togbe Afede said the pact would further strengthen Ghana-China relations, which started in the 1960s.

He said a team from China is expected in Ghana shortly to look at the possibility of scaling up the, gas-stream combined cycle, Sunon-Asogli power generation project and participation in other industries.

Togbe Afede said though chiefs are losing their clout to the central government, they still possess the influence to guide, support and initiate development in their areas.

Mr Zhong said China is ready to work with Ghana for mutual benefits.

The short but elaborate ceremony was attended by scores of chiefs, political appointees, and heads of departments and was characterised by display of cultural dances from the region.