Wa, Nov. 9, GNA - Students of the University of Hong Kong would initiate a computer laboratory project at Hain in the Jirapa District next year.

The students are expected to start the project with 10 computers and mobilise resources towards the completion of the project. Mr. Evans Sinkari, Executive Director of Rural Aid Action Programme (RAAP), a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) made this known in Wa during a meeting with the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Mahmud Khalid. Mr. Sinkari and the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr. Caesar Kale briefed Mr. Khalid on the project, after their return from Hong Kong at the invitation of the students.

He said the University's International Exchange Programme and the Centre of Development and Resources for Students had agreed to a proposal for students exchange programme with the region. Mr. Sinkari said 30 students would visit the region in December as part of the programme. He suggested the need for Ghana to establish a consulate in Hong Kong and other bilateral relations.

The RAAP Executive Director said he and the deputy regional minister shared the socio-economic challenges and opportunities of Ghana with the students and university authorities.

Mr. Sinkari said there was a high interest in the university officials towards the establishment of an exchange programme as well as a scholarship package for Ghanaian students.

"There is attractive business environment. There is very high willingness to do business with Ghanaians and government to government bilateral relations can be explored for development support," he said. Mr. Sinkari advocated the establishment of a Ghana Hong Kong Programme focusing on trade promotion, educational development and cultural diversity. Mr. Khalid said he would put in place a team to work out the modalities of the exchange programme.

"We would work for the sustainability of the partnership between the people of Hong Kong and the communities in the region in particular and Ghana as a whole," Mr. Khalid said. 9 Nov. 09