Accra, Aug. 27, GNA - The Agbogbomefia (King) of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV on Friday urged traditional rulers to modernised the chieftaincy institution to serve as centre for socio-economic development and educational empowerment.

"The role of a chief in this modern times has change from previously leading the people in conquering territories to attracting investment, fighting poverty, dialoguing, promoting education, creation of enabling environment for development and facilitating human development."

Togbe Afede told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra just before he emplaned for China at the head of a 20-man trade and investment promotion delegation.

The ten-day visit, which is at the invitation of the China-Africa Business Centre (CABC) is to complement government's efforts, aimed at exploring investment opportunities for the nation.

The mission is also to further promote friendship and business relationship between China and Ghana, as a whole and the people of Asogli in particular, as it would also seek to established a sister-city relationship.

Togbe Afede noted that Ghana and China have a long-standing economic, cultural and political history, which should be explored for the benefit of their respective citizens.

"There are a lot we can learn from the people of China in the areas of industrial technology, agriculture, bamboo production, adding that, the rate of development in that country makes it a force to reckoned with."

He said both Ghana and China have many things in common and stressed the need for the two countries to support each other in terms of technology.

Togbe Afede said the friendship and solidarity the two countries enjoy was borne out of our forebear quest for peace, equality and progress among nations of the world.

He delved into the history of diplomacy between Ghana and China, saying that, it has been fruitful though it tasted its sour moments, when the First Republic was overthrown.

''But when we restored relationship we have never looked back.'' He commended the Chinese Embassy in Ghana for playing an excellent role in the relationship between the two nations. The 20-man delegation includes entrepreneurs with varied expertise in the area of stock marketing, aluminium works, civil engineering, agriculture, tourism, information technology and wood processing. The delegation would hold investment meetings with leading Chinese industrialist, Information, Communication and Technology experts, agriculturists, Bamboo Industrialists and visit industrial sites. The Chief would also meet the Ghanaian communities and brief them on developments at home.

A large contingent of Asogli traditional rulers and citizens from the region lead by Togbe Kasa III, a Senior Divisional Chief of Ho were at the airport to see the King off.