LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — A group of Chinese investors has committed to transfer a package of new farm technologies in a bid to spur agricultural production in this province.

The commitment was made during the recent signing of a sisterhood pact between the provincial government led by Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. and China’s Sichuan Province headed by Executive Vice Governor Wei Hong. The signing rites took place in the capital city of Chengdu.

Apart from the expected entry of investments, the sisterhood agreement also calls for the strengthening of cultural ties, mutual cooperation and friendly relations, and more exchange of commerce and trade, especially agriculture, Governor Espino said in a press briefing held shortly his arrival from China.

The governor led a 10-member delegation that the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Pangasinan headed by Allan Apaga, Abono party-list chairman Engineer Rosendo So, Provincial Board Members Danilo Uy and Amadeo Espino, Pozzurubio (Pangasinan) Mayor Emma Zosima Chan, Espino’s executive assistant Ramon Modern and Pangasinan First Lady Priscilla Espino.

The visited Sichuan’s farms where most of China’s rice crops are grown.

The delegation was also treated to a guided tour of Sichuan’s financial district which hosts 20 world-renowned banks that include Hongkong-Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC), Standard Chartered, Citigroup, Paris, and Groupama.