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THE VOLTA region is seeking support from China to fast-track development of the region. The region has therefore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China�s autonomous region of Ningxia at its capital Yinchuan on Tuesday ahead of the China-Arab States Economic and Trade Forum which began yesterday. The agreement covers the transfer of technology, agriculture research, education, traditional medicine, tourism, fishing, irrigation and rice production among other areas. Speaking to visiting Ghanaian journalists on the sidelines of the trade forum in Yinchuan yesterday, the leader of the Volta region delegation, Togbe Afede XIV, President of Asogli State, said they were inspired by the development they had seen in China and therefore decided to take similar steps that could uplift the region. The delegation included the Volta Regional Minister, Joseph Amenowode, who signed on behalf of the region, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Nana Owusu-Afari and other traditional chiefs and leaders from the region. Togbe Afede said China had a lot to offer Ghana, hence the decision to look that direction. He noted that the Volta region wanted to partner China and so decided to select Ningxia. Ningxia province is one of the least developed provinces in China, even though its per capita income is far ahead of Ghana, standing over $3000 as at 2009. Due to the relatively slow development in that part of China, the central government in Beijing has embarked on deliberate policies to speed up development in the area. The region is noted for irrigation and traditional medicine Togbe said adding the Volta region would like to collaborate with them in those fields. He said the new University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho would need the support of Ningxia to flourish because traditional medicine will be one of the courses offered there. The government of Ningxia, he said, was happy with the collaboration and had accepted an invitation to visit the region soon. The collaboration between the two regions, the Asogli chief noted, had received the blessing of the Chinese government. Mr. Amenowode was hopeful that the agreement would yield the desired results. �It was a fruitful cooperation and a good beginning,� he said, adding that Ningxia had the same developmental challenges like the Volta region. �The selection of Ningxia is strategic,� Mr. Amenowode said. He thanked the Chinese Embassy for facilitating the visit with the aim of speeding up development in the region. Nana Owusu-Afari was equally excited with the outcome of the visit, assuring that business people in the region would follow up on the visit to ensure implementation of the agreements. The trade forum is being attended by businesses from the Arab world as well as Chinese businesses. The eight Ghanaian journalists touring China are from Daily Guide, Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, Business and Financial Times, Ghana Television and Metro TV and their visit were sponsored by the Chinese government. They have been meeting with senior government officials on issues affecting Africa, particularly Ghana. Some of the issues being looked at are trade and investment. They are currently touring other provinces and visiting project sites.