Bangladesh will seek around $2.2 billion assistance from China for its 12 projects for infrastructure development and setting up of a fertiliser factory during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit.
Sheikh Hasina will leave Dhaka for Beijing this afternoon for a five-day visit at the invitation of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. This is her first visit to China since Awami League-led government assumed office in January 2009.
The projects include construction of Second Padma Bridge at an estimated cost of $579 million, Karnaphuli Tunnel at a cost of $289 million, single line metre-gauge railway track from Chittagong to Gundum near Myanmar border at a cost of $210 million, Second Meghna-Gomti Bridge at a cost of $125 million, a railway bridge with a dual-gauge double track over the river Jamuna at a cost of $172 million and Kazirtek Bridge over Arialkha river at an estimated cost of $22 million.
“We hope the Chinese authorities would consider some of the projects, if not all,” Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain told The Daily Star yesterday. He said discussions would also take place about the purchases of passenger carriages and commuter trains.
During the talks, Bangladesh will also seek financial assistance for setting up the Shahjalal Fertiliser Factory Limited at an estimated cost of $600 million. Earlier the government in the face of growing demand for fertiliser decided to set up the factory in Fenchuganj.
Hasina will hold official talks with the Chinese premier tomorrow at the Great Hall where she will be given a formal reception. The next day Hasina will hold a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues.
Hasina will also meet the Chairman of China's National People's Congress. On her way back Hasina will fly to Kunming to see for herself the proposed Chittagong-Kunming road and railway links.
Construction of a regional highway by linking Kunming with Chittagong via Myanmar will get priority during the visit. Aiming to establish the connectivity, Bangladesh has already constructed a road up to Gundum border.
Three agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries during the trip. The agreements are: Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, Framework Agreement on Shahjalal Fertiliser Factory and Agreement on Seventh Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge.
Sources in the prime minister's office said Bangladesh would seek Chinese support to resolve bilateral issues with Myanmar like settling maritime boundary and Rohingya repatriation.
Dhaka may request Beijing to help Bangladesh build the planned deep-sea port. Purchase of military hardware from China may also come up in the discussion, they hinted.
They said Bangladesh might also place some specific proposals, including increasing investment in Bangladesh and allowing duty-free excess of more goods to Chinese market, in an attempt to reduce the existing huge trade imbalance of $3.5 billion.
The high-profile visit is considered as a very significant step in boosting economic ties between the two countries.
Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Dipankar Talukdar will be in the 16-member official delegation. Some eminent citizens, a business delegation and AL leaders will also accompany her.