BD, China set to sign over 25 MoUs, deals

Bangladesh and China are set to sign over 25 MoUs and deals for mutual benefits during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali revealed the information to journalists on Thursday afternoon.

The Chinese President, now in Cambodia, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Friday morning.

Although officials concerned were unwilling to reveal the figure of financial assistance China is offering, a UNB report says, diplomatic sources inform that the figure may exceed US$25 billion.  

Dhaka and Beijing are likely to sign an umbrella agreement covering 25 priority projects with a special focus on Bangladesh`s infrastructure, communication and energy sectors.

Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang has recently said Chinese President Xi Jinping`s forthcoming Dhaka visit will take the Bangladesh-China relations to a new height.

"I can assure you there`ll be a number of documents to be signed. You`ll see the relations will really be upgraded to a new height," Ma said.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said Bangladesh is China`s important partner in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, and the visit would be a `milestone` for Bangladesh-China relationship.

Officials in Dhaka said Bangladesh and China will sign a number of agreements with special focus on improving infrastructure and boosting connectivity.

China is the biggest source of import for Bangladesh since 2007. In 2015-16, trades between the two countries has crossed US$ 9 billion with US$ 8223.20 million import from China and US$ 791.03 million export.