Accra, May 24, GNA - Ghana and China are to co-operate in the areas of science and technology in the spirit of south-south co-operation.

Professor Han Deqian, President of China Technology Market Association and leader of the Chinese delegation in the country said that other areas that would promote Ghana's development would also be considered.

Professor Han was speaking at a meeting of the delegation with officials of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), on Tuesday in Accra. It was to discuss issues to be incorporated in draft proposals for co-operation between the two countries in science and technology as a basis for development especially in rural areas.

The delegation, which leaves Ghana for Nigeria on Wednesday, visited organisations including the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Food Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Ministries of Food and Agriculture and Local Government and Rural Development.

Professor Han said that as part of Sino-Ghana co-operation, China would offer scholarship to 20 personnel of organisations under MEST to improve upon their knowledge and to learn at first hand from the Chinese experience. He said that the discussions the delegation had with Ghanaian officials were successful adding that based on the information gathered, China would do all within its power to assist the development of science and technology in Ghana.

Professor Han commended Ghanaians for their hospitality and MEST for its achievements. Mr. Cletus Avoka, Minister of Environment Science and Technology, said that the visit has helped to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries and called for common strategies and programmes for their mutual benefit.

He expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for finalising arrangements for the delivery of 40 computers and 20 laser printers to the ministry and called for more assistance to enhance MEST's efforts in helping to achieve the objectives of Vision 2020.

Mr. Lu Yongshou, Chinese Ambassador in Ghana, assured the ministry that the embassy in Accra would work hard to strengthen co-operation between MEST and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.