SISTER-PROVINCE RELATIONS. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc welcomes Shandong delegates to Ilocos Norte. The group is led by Zhu Lanxi of the People's Government of Shandong who expressed commitment in strengthening friendly cooperation with the province. (PNA photo by Leilanie G. Adriano)
LAOAG CITY -- China’s Shandong province and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte are pushing for a deeper cooperation with regular exchange and communication between the two sides.
On Thursday, at least nine representatives from Shandong province met with officials of the Ilocos Norte government led by Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc.
This is now the fourth batch of Shandong visitors to the province in a span of three years since 2017 that seeks to revive sisterhood ties and business relations.
In welcoming the delegates, Manotoc said, “Shandong is a sister province for decades. We always enjoy a close relationship with you and we look forward to a significant collaboration. Welcome to our home and we hope that you feel at home.”
The governor announced he is set to visit Shandong province in October to facilitate practical cooperation in key areas and to organize reciprocal visit of working teams once every other year.
Based on an action plan agreed by both parties, the two local governments shall support and encourage enterprises to conduct business exchanges, organize events on trade, investment and technical exchanges, particularly cooperation in the fields of water, clean energy, and waste treatment.
On agricultural cooperation, both parties expressed interest to work on fertilizer and pesticide manufacturing, agricultural produce plantation and processing, animal products, agricultural machinery, agricultural technology and training programs for talents and agricultural technology.
On maritime and fisheries, both parties also agreed to promote research institutes to establish contact and enhance cooperation of maritime technology and professional training.
Both parties are also interested in promoting tourism, establishment of intercollegiate partnership, carry out academic exchanges and organize student exchange including creation of cultural exchange program.
The action plan was signed by then Ilocos Norte Governor and now Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee" R. Marcos and Shandong Vice Governor Wang Junmi last year.
Shandong is a province on the west coast of China, known for being a top food producer, and an industry leader in food, equipment, and renewable energy, among others.
Since 2002, they have shared sister-province relations with Ilocos Norte. (PNA)
