Visit To China Opened Up New Avenues Of Cooperation: PM

She said, China has accorded warm reception, extended sincere hospitality and showed profound fraternity at every stage of the visit which was a reflection of overwhelming support of China to us.

In a press conference on the outcome of her visit to China from June 6 to 11, 2014, Sheikh Hasina said, she had a very constructive discussion with the new Chinese leaders on various bilateral, regional and international issues, that would further consolidate the existing friendly relation.

"In overall consideration, I hope that my visit will further strengthen the bilateral relation, investment, trade and commerce and expand cooperation and partnership in all areas including economic, scientific and technical with China," she said, adding that "after Japan, I think my China visit was also very successful."

Sheikh Hasina said, She wants to forget all old differences with any country in the economic interests of the country and go ahead with all extending support for building a prosperous Bangladesh.

Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, Food Minister Advocate Quamrul Islam, PM's advisor HT Imam, state minister for foreign affairs M Shariyar Alam, were present during the press conference.

The Prime Minister said, during the visit, Dhaka and Beijing have signed six instruments for execution of different projects. Both sides have agreed for Chinese support for five more projects at a total cost of US$ 5 billion.

Moreover, we had discussions with Chinese leaders to elevate our existing 'economic partnership' to 'strategic partnership' based on mutual respect, equality and without any interference to internal matters of each other, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said, the visit was a unique opportunity to focus the investment climate of Bangladesh and the opportunities and incentives we are providing to foreign investors and enterprises.

She hoped that the relation with China would continue and gradually it would reach a new height.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, as far as Chinese foreign policy is concerned, the country considers Bangladesh as one of their important partners.

Sheikh Hasina said, in her meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, she gave priority to the matters relating to economic and trade apart from the issues of investment, agriculture, communications, tourism, education, culture, energy, climate change and disaster management.

She said, China is ready to import more items from Bangladesh to reduce the huge trade gap. Now our businesses have to take decision what kind of goods they would export to China, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said, her government would allocate land in Chittagong for relocation of labour-intensive Chinese industries to Bangladesh. As well, the two countries recognised the importance of BCIM corridor and regional connectivity for strengthening cooperation and sustainable development of this
region.

She said, Bangladesh has requested China for transfer of technology in the jute and agriculture sector. To continue Bangladesh's constant economic development, she said, discussion was also held on Chinese support for infrastructure development and power generation projects.

Sheikh Hasina said, China and Bangladesh have identified five priority projects for financial support. These projects are- (1) Development of National Infra Network for Bangladesh Government Phase III (Expanding IT connectivity up to Union Level: Info Sarkar Phase 3), (2) Rajshahi WASA Surface Water Treatment Plant Project, (3) Construction of 2nd Railway cum Road Bridge across the River Karnaphuli at Kalurghat point near the existing railway bridge, (4) Construction of new single track dual gauge railway line from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar via Ramu to Gundum near Bangladesh-Myanmar border, and (5) Eastern Refinery Unit-II and single point mooring (SPM) project.

Pointing out her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Yu Zhengsheng, the Prime Minister said, China considers Bangladesh as strategic partner and said Chinese government is working with Bangladesh considering that perspective.

Sheikh Hasina said, the six important instruments signed with China during her visit has opened up new horizon to strengthen mutual cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, power generation, communications and transport and combating natural disasters.

The most instruments singed between the two countries were an agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between China and Bangladesh and a Joint Venture agreement on Establishment of a 1320 MW Coal-based Ultra-critical Power Plant at Patuakhali.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the government of the two countries for construction of much-waited tunnel under the Karnaphuli River which would be a great step for
facilitating country's trade and business as well as execution of BCIM corridor.

Another MOU was signed between China Harbour and Engineering Company and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) for the establishment of a Chinese economic and investment zone in Chittagong where China has showed interest to relocate its ndustries.

Bangladesh and China agreed to further expand and raise their partnership of cooperation to a newer height, exploring more avenues and opportunities for cooperation.

The Prime Minister said, at the request of Bangladesh Prime Minister, China agreed to facilitate more Bangladeshi students to pursue their studies in China with scholarship and arrange for programme for exchange of language and culture.

Bangladesh and China decided to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2015 in a befitting manner by jointly organizing various programmes throughout the year, the Prime Minister said.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)