Bangladesh News

Bangladesh and China yesterday signed three accords and one memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy and technology, infrastructure and energy.

The agreements were signed after formal talks between Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao at the East Hall of the Great Hall here.

The accords are Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement with Adequate Grant, Framework Agreement for Construction of Shahjalal Fertiliser Factory, Agreement for Construction of the seventh Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge and MoU on Bangladesh-China Cooperation in Oil and Gas sectors.

From Bangladesh side, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni signed in Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement.

Industries Minister Dilip Barua signed in the Framework Agreement for Construction of Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory while Communication Minister Syed Abul Hossain in the Agreement for Construction of seventh Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge.

Bangladesh Ambassador to China Munshi Faiz Ahmad signed in the MoU on Bangladesh-China Cooperation on Oil and Gas sectors.

The deals were signed in presence of Hasina and Jiabao at Hebei Hall at 6:30pm (local time), Dipu Moni and PM’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told newsmen.

Earlier, on her arrival at the Great Hall, Hasina was warmly received by Chinese premier at 5:05pm.

Hasina was accorded a red carpet reception at the Northern Hall of the historic Great Hall of the People on the second day of her five-day state visit.

Jiabao took Hasina to a decorated podium where she took salute. The national anthems of Bangladesh and China were played.

A smartly turned out contingent of the People’s Army gave guard of honour to the Bangladesh PM.

Hasina also inspected the contingent of the People’s Army. After the reception, Hasina and Jiabao began official talks at the East Hall at 5:30pm.