Nebraska has entered a "sister state" relationship with a central Chinese province that could lead to future trade opportunities.

Gov. Dave Heineman signed the agreement Tuesday with leaders of Shaanxi, a province with more than 37 million people.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Cathy Lang says the agreement is important because the Chinese government emphasizes personal relationships ahead of business connections. Lang says the sister state relationship will give Nebraska a higher-profile status in the eyes of the Chinese government, as it encourages its businesses to invest overseas.

Heineman says the Shaanxi Province has industries similar to Nebraska, including agriculture and energy.