China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the US state of Utah will work together to propel the industrialization of high technology between the two countries, according to an agreement signed yesterday in Beijing.

The ministry's Torch Plan Centre and State of Utah International Business Development Office will sponsor training programmes involving technological and industrial parks and business incubators to help China's high-tech sectors upgrade their management skills, according to the agreement reached between the two departments.

The two sides will also work harder to advance the development of small- and medium-sized firms, including promoting the export of products made by China's such firms.

Introducing electronic commerce to Chinese enterprises is another part of their collaboration, according to the agreement.

To fuel China's campaign of developing the western region, the two sides will enhance co-operation on training specialized talents and accelerating technological innovation, said the agreement.

Utah, which is located in the western portion of the United States, is advanced in high technology research and development such as information, computer software, bio-engineering and medical appliances. It has set up friendly relationships with many provinces of China, according to Darrin Cobler, director of Asian Division of State of Utah International Business Development Office.