OREANDA-NEWS. November 21, 2012.  Anhui Province in east China and Manicaland Province in east Zimbabwe have formed a relationship of twin provinces, state radio reported on Tuesday.

This came after a delegation from China's Anhui Province visited Manicaland Governor and Resident Minister Christopher Mushowe to discuss economic cooperation between the two provinces.

The delegation, led by Tian Weiqian, comprised members of the provincial people's political consultative conference and captains of industry from Anhui province.

Mushowe said the visit sought to cement relations between Anhui and Manicaland provinces, urging that the business people from Anhui to invest in Manicaland province in areas of canning, solar energy, mining and automobile.

"We are happy with the work that Anhui is doing in developing Manicaland province. It further strengthens bilateral relations between our two provinces. We have problems with electricity so we welcome solar business because almost every home needs power. Solar would be the solution because we have sunshine in abundance here," he said.

Mushowe said Manicaland also required small hydro power plants since its rivers could be harnessed to generate electricity in the province.

He also urged the Chinese to consider investing in timber, cellphone manufacturing as well as reviving the only carpet maker, Karina, which is currently going through tough times. "We are also looking at joint ventures in juice making and canning to mention but a few," he said.

China's Anhui Foreign Economic and Construction Group has already set up joint venture with the Zimbabwean government to operate in the Chiadzwa area of Marange in Manicaland Province.

The Chinese delegation pledged to invest in various areas including power projects in the Zimbabwean province.

Meanwhile, a Zimbabwean delegation from the Zimbabwe-China Friendship Association has returned from a 10-day long trip to China's Guangdong Province. The delegation hailed the initiative for giving them opportunities to embark on income generating projects.

The National Vice Chairperson for the Association, Senator Mandi Chimene, said there has been an overwhelming response to the initiative by civil servants from Zimbabwe's 10 provinces, and Zimbabwe will benefit more from ties with the Asian economic giant, she said.

The 75-member delegation which travelled to China for the exchange visit had a chance to visit several factories around Guangdong Province to get a first hand impression of the production processes.