Hasina seeks Chinese support for implementing 5 projects

BEIJING, June 9 (Agencies): Bangladesh and China signed on Monday five instruments, including two agreements, one memorandum of understanding (MoU) and two Exchange of Letters (EoLs), to enhance their mutual cooperation in sectors like trade and investment, power generation and climate change.
Of the agreements, one is on establishing a coal-based ultra-critical 1320 MW power plant in Patuakhali district in joint venture and another on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the two countries.
The LoEs are on exchange of the second batch of calamity rescue equipment between the two governments and over a feasibility study on flood prevention and management in Bangladesh.
The MoU was signed between China Harbour and Engineering Company and Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) for setting up a Chinese economic and investment zone in Chittagong.
Officials of the two countries signed the instruments and deals after official talks between the two countries at Great Hall of People.
Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina and her Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang witnessed the signing ceremony.
Earlier, both countries had official talks where Sheikh Hasina and Li Keqiang led the respective delegations to the meeting that lasted for an hour.
After the meeting, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haq said the talks were held in a very cordial, warm and friendly manner, and both leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interests and of common concerns.
During the discussions, the Foreign Secretary said, Sheikh Hasina sought Chinese government's support for implementing five proposed projects.
The proposed projects are National ICT Infra-Network for Bangladesh Government (Phase-III), construction of Rajshahi Wasa Surface Water Treatment Plant, Construction of Second Railway-cum-Road Bridge over River Kharnaphuli at Kalurhgat point near the existing railway bridge, construction of a new Dual Gauge Railway Line from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar via Ramu and Ramu to Gundum near Bangladesh-Myanmar border and establishment of Eastern Refinery Unit-2 and Single Point Mooring Project.
In response, Li Keqiang assured Hasina of taking necessary steps by his government in this connection. Li Keqiang asked his commerce minister to prepare necessary methodologies for implementing the projects.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh attaches highest importance to its relations with China, the foundation of which was laid by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during his visit to China in 1952 and 1957 as minister.
China has always been a reliable development partner, and so far it has contributed immensely to Bangladesh's socio-economic development, Hasina said.
In this connection, Sheikh Hasina mentioned the seventh Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge and Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka just as testament to the Dhaka-Beijing friendship.
The PM appreciated dynamic and visionary leadership of the Chinese Premier saying the country is emerging as the largest economy of the world.
In this connection, Hasina said, Bangladesh welcomes the peaceful rise of China and wishes to remain as an active partner in this 'Asian Century'.
In her introductory speech, Li Keqiang lauded Bangladesh PM's dynamic and able leadership, and said the bilateral relations between the two countries have reached a new dimension following her visit to China.
However, the Sonadia deep seaport is not among these agreements.
The secretary said the two countries had agreed to hold further discussions on the Sonadia deep seaport.
Before the summit, Hasina was given a guard of honour at the Great Hall of the People.
Earlier, on her arrival at the Great Hall premise, the Chinese premier welcomed the state guest.
Sheikh Hasina along with Li Keqiang proceeded to a saluting dais when National anthems of both the countries were played.
Hasina was given salute in a military order with 19 gun salutes by a smartly-turned out contingent drawn from the three services of the People's Liberation Army of China.
The PM witnessed the march-past and inspected the parade.