A delegation of chiefs, government officials and business people has left the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a twinning arrangement between the government of Ningxia, an autonomous region in China and the Volta region of Ghana. The Volta Region Development Agency (VORDA) coordinated the trip in partnership with the Chinese Embassy, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and the Regional Coordinating Council. This twinning arrangement between the two regions is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa and will boost the image and enhance economic prospects of the Volta region in particular and Ghana in general. The high powered delegation from the Volta region was led by Togbe Afede XIV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and Joseph Amenowode, the Volta Regional Minister. Members of the delegation also included representatives from the business community led by Nana Owusu Afari, President of the Association of Ghana Industries and other prominent members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs including Nana Soglo Alloh IV, its Vice President, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, Paramount Chief of Anfoega, Nana Mprah Bese-muna III, Paramount Chief of Krachi, Osie Adza Tepkor, Paramount Chief of Avatime and Togbe Patamia Dzekley VII, Paramount Chief of Battor. Other members of the team were Mamaga Akosua, Paramount Queen Mother of the Sasadu Traditional Area and Board member of VORDA, as well as Appiah-Danquah Kufuor, Board Member of VORDA and coordinator of the trip. With a long history, unique scenery and rich natural resources, Ningxia is the only autonomous region of Hui Muslim inhabitants in China and has a total population of 6.30 million. The Ghanaian delegation was privileged to attend the 2011 China (Ningxia) International Investment and Trade Fair and the Second China-Arab Economic and Trade Forum held in the beautiful capital city of Ningxia, Yinchuan. The event enhanced bilateral trade and communication links between the people of Ghana and China. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Sand Lake Fishery Company and Horticulture Industry Zone of Helan County where they met with top officials and entrepreneurs. The aim was for both parties to exchange ideas and contacts and to improve the aquaculture and rice industry of both provinces. The team was introduced to a modern agriculture demonstration zone which had modern methods of producing crops that would be applicable to farmers in the Volta region. Ningxia Medical University which is well known for its expertise in traditional medicine was a place worth visiting as delegates interacted with their hosts and held an open door meeting with top officials, teachers and doctors at the university. The highlight of the visit was the meeting with Ningxia government officials and the signing of the agreement of intent on the establishment of friendly relations and twinning arrangement between the two provinces. The Chinese Ambassador will sign the MOU on behalf of Ningxia at Ho today. The ceremony will take place at the residence of the Volta region minister. A government delegation from Ningxia/China will visit the Volta region in February 2012.