China and Bangladesh called upon further cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture etc. on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, fairness and rationality in the spirit of focus on actual effect, according to a communique issued in Dhaka on Friday by the two sides.

The two sides agreed:

--to continue to promote the development of all- dimensional and multi-level trade and economic cooperation;

--to the role of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission to develop the potential and expand the scope of bilateral trade and economic cooperation;

--to encourage business communities from both countries to have friendly exchanges and cooperation in various forms, and provide favorable conditions for their business activities;

--to actively explore new ways to increase bilateral trade;

--to make preferential duty arrangements to boost the import and export of commodities between the two countries. China recognized the imbalance in trade with Bangladesh, and would take active steps to increase import from Bangladesh;

--to encourage and support enterprises to conduct two-way investments. The two sides would continue to improve their investment environment and earnestly fulfill the commitments defined in the existing investment agreements. China would actively support Chinese enterprises to expand investment in Bangladesh in order to scale down the trade imbalance with Bangladesh and achieve common development. China would, as a gesture of goodwill, take steps to promote Chinese enterprises' investment in the textile industry of Bangladesh.

--to take positive actions to create convenience for enterprises of both countries in project contracting and labor cooperation.

--to strengthen agricultural cooperation and encourage mutually-beneficial cooperation in agricultural techniques, agricultural products processing and personnel training.

--to intensify transportation cooperation. Both sides agreed to the opening of direct air link between Beijing of China and Dhaka of Bangladesh via Kunming, and were committed to the final running-through of Kunming-Chittagong road link.

--to reinforce tourist cooperation. The Chinese side agreed to make Bangladesh tourist destination for Chinese citizens. The authorities concerned in both countries may initiate direct discussions and actively explore ways and ideas to further promote tourist cooperation.

--to promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of science and technology, education, culture, public health and sports; enhance the understanding and friendship between the two peoples by exchanging visits of delegations, cultural groups, sports persons, students, teachers and scholars, and holding exhibitions in each other's countries. The Chinese side agreed to increase scholarships.

--that China would provide concessional loan to install Digital Telephone Exchanges in metropolitan cities, important district headquarters and Upazila growth centers.

--that the Chinese side agreed to positively consider providing loan for the Pagla Water Treatment Plant and North Dhaka(East) Sewerage Treatment Plant and Associated Sewerage System which the Bangladesh side appreciated, the details in this matter would be worked out later by the two sides.

The Chinese side appreciated the Bangladesh government's recognition of China's full market economy status, says the communique.

It says both sides agreed to cooperate in the field of water resources, utilize and protect the water resources of transnational rivers in the region keeping in mind the principles of equality and fairness.

Wen is paying an official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He will leave for Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, late Friday to continue his four-nation tour to South Asia.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2005)