Dhaka, Beijing to sign six deals

Dhaka and Beijing are expected to sign half a dozen deals during Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong's three-day visit to Bangladesh from Sunday.

Diplomatic sources said China is sending its vice premier also for some advance negotiation of agreements to be signed during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's planned visit in September-October.

Vice Premier Liu will hold meetings with President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury during which steps to further strengthen bilateral relationship would be discussed.

Liu will also discuss new avenues for cooperation.

The two countries are expected to sign six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas of education, information technology and customs under both the private and public sectors to avoid trade barriers.

Sources said Dhaka would seek soft loan and grant support for some mega projects, including construction of the second bridge over the Karnaphuli, and establishment of Eastern Refinery Unit-2.