Mozambique's Minister of Science and Technology, Venancio Massingue, made this announcement on Friday at Maputo International Airport on his return from China where he had been seeking partnerships for the areas covered by his ministry.

Massingue said that the first delegation of Chinese technicians is to arrive in Mozambique in November to assess the state of this sector in the country in order to facilitate the setting up of cooperation programs according to local conditions.

The idea is to set up science research laboratories and apply technologies to make use of wind and solar power in the rural areas.

"We want to allow the creation of advanced science parks to ensure that scientific and technological knowledge enhances economic growth", said Massingue.

He added that during his visit to China, he made presentations on the transfer of technologies and on Information Technologies, which paved the way to establish this exchange program between the two countries.

In parallel with biotechnology, the two countries also intend to advance in the area of ethno-botany, since Mozambique is known for its wealth in medicinal plants, "and China is a leader in exploiting these resources".

In the terms of the principles agreed upon it is intended that Mozambique should gain enough experience to start producing its own technologies, including in the computer field.