Guangzhou's provincial government has signed an MOU with Microsoft (MSFT), according to which the two sides will engage in wide-ranging collaborations in areas such as cultivating software talents, promoting innovation among software companies and developing local software brands.

Drawing upon its global resources, Microsoft says it is fully committed to developing Guangzhou's software business through training, technology exchange, management consulting and investment.

It aims to foster an eco-system for Guangzhou's software businesses and promote progress in the industry on e-government system building, software outsourcing and digital TV.

The two sides will reportedly form a joint committee to implement the agenda items set forth in the MOU.