Diplomatic Correspondent :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is embarking on a four-day state tour with high expectations and a focus on strengthening bilateral relations.
Approximately 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are likely to be signed during her visit, emphasizing cooperation in infrastructure development, economic assistance, and health cooperation.
The visit will also include the inauguration of several projects.
The MoUs encompass various areas, including economic and banking cooperation, trade and investment, digital economy, infrastructure development, disaster management, People-to-People connectivity, construction of the 6th and 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridges, agricultural product exports from Bangladesh, and disaster management.
This visit is crucial for Bangladesh both diplomatically and economically, given China’s strategic importance in the region and Bangladesh’s reliance on China for development and economic cooperation.
Prior to this trip, Sheikh Hasina traveled to India in June, where ten agreements on various issues, including rail transit, were signed.
During her visit to China, Bangladesh hopes to secure substantial loans to implement various projects and fill gaps in the new budget.
Over the past 15 years, China has not only provided loans for several mega-projects in Bangladesh but has also played a significant role as an implementer.
Following the much-discussed Padma Bridge construction and the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Bangladesh aims to involve China in the Teesta irrigation project, despite India also expressing interest in the project.
According to a 2023 estimate by the Washington-based research institute, American Enterprise Institute, China has invested approximately seven billion dollars in Bangladesh so far.
The visit will also include discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Although the trade gap between the two countries is significant, the FTA is expected to boost Bangladesh’s economy.
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen stated at a program in the Dhaka embassy, “The FTA serves as a guarantee for the healthy and stable development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation between China and Bangladesh.”
“The foundation of economic and trade cooperation between China and Bangladesh is solid, extensive, and diverse.
In terms of trade, China has maintained its position as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, with bilateral goods trade reaching $24 billion in 2023,” he mentioned.
In terms of investment, he said that China’s FDI stock in Bangladesh reached $3.2 billion by 2023, making China the second-largest investing country in Bangladesh.
So it is expected that FTA will gain importance in discussion during the Sheikh Hasina’s visit.
Meanwhile in a press conference on the occasion of PM’s China visit, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud ministry on Sunday said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit Beijing on Monday for a four-day trip upon the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
In reply to a question, he said that the government would not seek loans from China to boost the reserve.
“There is no loan agreement issue in the list of the MoUs. There will be MoUs on economic cooperation.
If there is any necessity for it, it can be considered on the basis of meeting all our parameters. Currently our reserve is in good health.
It is increasing,” Hasan Mahmud said.
Recently in an interview of Bangladesh Bank government and media reports, mentioned that Bangladesh may request for $5 billon dollars as loans from China.
He also brushed aside the claim that the government is visiting China after the permission from India.
“This is absolutely wrong and it has been misinterpreted,” he added.
Asked about the development of Mongla Port in cooperation with China, the foreign minister said, “China is our development partner in the southern region.
During the upcoming visit, there will be important discussions with China.”
Addressing the government’s initiative to reduce the trade gap, he stated, “This is a crucial issue for us. We will prioritize discussions on lifting tariff barriers to allow better access for our products, especially agricultural produce.”
Regarding the implementation of the Teesta project, the foreign minister explained, “The Teesta River is a joint river between Bangladesh and India.
India has proposed sending a technical team, and we need to consider their proposal as well. If China raises the issue during discussions, it will be addressed.”
The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, Adviser for Private Sector Industry and Investment, State Minister for Commerce, State Minister for Power and Mineral Resources, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Foreign Secretary, and other senior officials, will undertake an official visit to China.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to depart Dhaka on a special flight at 11:00 AM on July 8, arriving at Beijing International Airport at 6:00 PM local time. Upon arrival, she will be greeted with a guard of honour and the appropriate protocol.
On July 9, in the morning, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will have a courtesy meeting with Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Later that day, she will participate in the “Summit on Trade, Business, and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and China” at Shangri-La Circle, accompanied by a business delegation from Bangladesh.
In the afternoon, she will hold a bilateral meeting with Wang Huning, Chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
In the evening, she will pay homage at Tiananmen Square and later attend a ceremonial dinner hosted at the Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing.
On the third day of her visit, the Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China, at the Great Hall of the People.
To commence the meeting, a ceremony has been organised in honour of the Prime Minister.
Following this, both leaders will participate in a bilateral meeting attended by high-level delegations from both countries.
On July 10, Sheikh Hasina will have a bilateral meeting with the President of China, Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of the People.
This meeting is a significant part of her visit, during which Bangladesh and China will issue a joint statement, Hasan Mahmud said.
On July 11, the Prime Minister will depart China on a special flight of Bangladesh Airlines and is expected to arrive in Dhaka at 02:00 PM local time.