China to fund Bangladesh for 9th friendship bridge, other infrastructure projects

DHAKA -- China will fund Bangladesh for construction of the ninth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge and other infrastructure development projects.

Bangladesh's Economic Relations Department (ERD) Secretary Kazi Shofiqul Azam and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang signed an agreement in this regard on Thursday in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka.

Ma said China has been supporting Bangladesh's infrastructure development to help it realize its economic development goals.

"I hope that we can use this money smartly and more efficiently so that more and more people can benefit from this excellent relationship between Bangladesh and China," Ma said.

Kazi Shofiqul Azam said Bangladesh's relationship with China is excellent and outstanding.

Seven friendship bridges have been completed across Bangladesh under Chinese grants, and the eighth one is under construction, he said.

"It will be a symbol of friendship actually. We hope that we will be able to sign another grant agreement in near future."

The Chinese assistance will play a vital role on the economic and social development of the country as well as the communication sector, an ERD statement said.

ERD said the location of the ninth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge and other infrastructure projects will be settled later on through negotiations of the two governments.

The eighth friendship bridge is under construction over Kocha River in southern Bangladesh. The length of the bridge will be 1,400 meters and Bangladesh Roads and Highway department has been carrying out the project.

The construction of the first Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, with a span of more than 917 meters in length, began in October 1986, and was completed in February 1989.