BD, China to sign 3 deals to boost economic ties
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina leaves the city today (Wednesday) for Beijing on a 4-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, reports UNB.
The high-profile visit is seen by politicians, businesspersons and the diplomatic circle as very significant for boosting ties between Dhaka and Beijing.
The three accords the two countries will sign during the visit are 'Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement', 'Framework Agreement on Shahjalal Fertiliser Factory' and 'Agreement on 7th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge'.
Besides, both the prime ministers will discuss a number of projects, including Chittagong-Kunming rail and road links through Myanmar, 2nd Padma Bridge, 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, capacity building in agriculture sector, telecommunications, and solar energy.
Since China is a major supplier of military hardware to Bangladesh, the defence cooperation between the two countries would figure prominently. Dhaka may also request Chinese cooperation in building a deep-sea port.
In 2009, the bilateral trade volume was recorded at US$ 4.58 billion with the balance heavily tilted towards China. The PM would seek Chinese investment in Bangladesh to reduce the wide trade gap.
Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Dipankar Talukdar will be in the Prime Minister's entourage. Besides, eminent citizens, MPs and a business delegation will accompany her.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold official talks with Chinese premier Wen Jiabao on March 18 (Thursday) at the Great Hall where she will be given formal reception.
Next day (March 19), the Prime Minister will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao on bilateral, regional and international issues.
Hasina will also address a meeting of the Chinese and Bangladeshi businesspeople on March 18. She will also meet with the Chairman of China's National People's Congress.
The Prime Minister will visit Kunming to see the proposed Chittagong-Kunming trans-border road and railway routes.
She will return home on March 21.
The high-profile visit is seen by politicians, businesspersons and the diplomatic circle as very significant for boosting ties between Dhaka and Beijing.
The three accords the two countries will sign during the visit are 'Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement', 'Framework Agreement on Shahjalal Fertiliser Factory' and 'Agreement on 7th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge'.
Besides, both the prime ministers will discuss a number of projects, including Chittagong-Kunming rail and road links through Myanmar, 2nd Padma Bridge, 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, capacity building in agriculture sector, telecommunications, and solar energy.
Since China is a major supplier of military hardware to Bangladesh, the defence cooperation between the two countries would figure prominently. Dhaka may also request Chinese cooperation in building a deep-sea port.
In 2009, the bilateral trade volume was recorded at US$ 4.58 billion with the balance heavily tilted towards China. The PM would seek Chinese investment in Bangladesh to reduce the wide trade gap.
Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Dipankar Talukdar will be in the Prime Minister's entourage. Besides, eminent citizens, MPs and a business delegation will accompany her.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold official talks with Chinese premier Wen Jiabao on March 18 (Thursday) at the Great Hall where she will be given formal reception.
Next day (March 19), the Prime Minister will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao on bilateral, regional and international issues.
Hasina will also address a meeting of the Chinese and Bangladeshi businesspeople on March 18. She will also meet with the Chairman of China's National People's Congress.
The Prime Minister will visit Kunming to see the proposed Chittagong-Kunming trans-border road and railway routes.
She will return home on March 21.