Bangladesh and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday to strengthen economic and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was signed between Invest Bangladesh and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) in Mongla, Bagerhat, on Thursday morning in the presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Saleh Ahmed, a member of Invest Bangladesh's Industrial Zone Division, signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh, while Li Chongyang, chairman of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, signed on behalf of the Chinese side.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stressed the need to attract more Chinese investment and expand bilateral cooperation.

"Under the Mongla Port Modernisation Project, essential infrastructure, including a modern container terminal, yards and cargo-handling facilities, is being developed. If the modernisation of Mongla Port is completed on schedule, it will transform the economic landscape of the region.

"Beyond the region, it will also open up new economic opportunities for the entire country," he said.

The prime minister said Mongla Port has the potential to become a major economic hub for the southwestern and northwestern regions, adding that economic activities in Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Jashore needed to be expanded around the port.

"We need to take initiatives to establish integrated four-lane road connectivity from Panchagarh to Mongla, while expanding the port's supply chain and cargo transportation facilities. The development and effective utilisation of Khan Jahan Ali Airport are among the government's key priorities," he added.

Describing the occasion as an important and joyful day, Tarique thanked Chinese investors for contributing to Bangladesh's efforts to build a strong economic foundation.

He also thanked the Chinese delegation for facilitating the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers at Chinese companies in the Middle East.

The MoU is expected to open up investment and cooperation opportunities in infrastructure, transport, logistics, industry, energy, environmental protection and skills development.

Following the signing ceremony, the prime minister held discussions with members of the Chinese delegation.

Later, he laid the foundation stone for a 4,068 crore taka project to construct two container jetties and develop supporting infrastructure as part of the expansion and modernisation of Mongla Port.

Tarique arrived in Mongla by helicopter at 9:50am.

Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and CRCC Chairman Dai Hegen were also present at the ceremony.

After completing his engagements in Mongla, the prime minister is scheduled to visit the shrine of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (RA).

He will then attend the opening ceremony of the second season of the Notun Kuri Sports programme at Khulna District Stadium in the afternoon before returning to Dhaka in the evening.