PM’s China visit to feature 20-22 MoUs, no agreements: Hasan

No agreements, including those for budget support, reserve support, or loans, will be signed between Bangladesh and China during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to Beijing beginning today, said Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud.

"Around 20-22 MoUs will be signed. A memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation will be signed. Loans will be available in the future if the relevant parameters are met under this MoU," he said today during a press conference on the PM's visit.

"Among the MoUs that will be signed, there is nothing to obtain reserve support from China. I am not aware that we have officially made any such proposal. However, there can be a discussion on this matter."

The foreign minister's comments follow recent media reports expressing the possibility of agreements for substantial funding in development projects and an extension of approximately $5 billion in yuan-denominated loans to bolster dwindling reserves during the visit.

In response to questions from journalists about reserve support, the foreign minister said different countries offer the government various proposals.

He said, "We do not accept all offers. We accept proposals that fulfil our parameters. After the World Bank withdrew funding from the Padma Bridge, it offered to finance the Padma Bridge again, but we did not accept it."

He said Bangladesh's reserve situation is improving and will continue to improve, but he noted that any country or bank can keep money in Bangladesh's central bank – just as different countries keep money in US banks, "which is a different matter".

Mentioning ongoing discussions with the world's second-largest economy for the development of the southern region of Bangladesh, the minister said, "We are currently in talks with China about developing the southern region. This issue will also be addressed during the prime minister's visit, including plans for the development of Mongla Port."

When asked about potential talks with Beijing regarding the Teesta management project, the minister explained that this is a joint river between Bangladesh and India.

He mentioned that New Delhi has proposed a management plan for joint rivers and will send a technical team to collaborate with Bangladesh's team to assess feasibility. Since the Teesta is a shared river, India's proposal should be considered first.

"If China brings up the Teesta issue, then it can be discussed during the prime minister's visit," said the foreign minister, avoiding a direct answer to whether the relationship with Beijing will be elevated to an "in-depth" level.

He said, "Our relationship with China is very deep and strategic. It will grow stronger. It doesn't matter if the relationship is in-depth or less so."

The foreign minister said 20-22 MoUs, including those covering economy, trade, banking, economic development, disaster management, the ninth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, medical care, and public health, will be signed during the visit.

Additionally, some projects will be jointly inaugurated. He emphasised that issues such as bilateral trade, investment, and Rohingya repatriation will be prioritised during the visit. Moreover, the implementation status of past agreements with the Asian giant will be discussed.

Hasan said the premier will depart for Beijing today at 11am on a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, arriving at 6pm local time, and will return to Bangladesh on 11 July at 2pm after the four-day visit.

He said Sheikh Hasina will receive a guard of honour at Beijing International Airport.

Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, will meet her on 9 July. On that day, she will attend an investment summit organised by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority. In the afternoon, she will pay her respects at Tiananmen Square.

The premier is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on 10 July. The foreign minister mentioned that after Sheikh Hasina was elected prime minister for the fourth consecutive term in the January parliamentary elections, China officially invited her to visit Beijing.