China will share hydrological data and information on the Brahmaputra river to help enhance flood forecasting and warning capacity of Bangladesh. An agreement in this regard was reached at the Ministerial level meeting held on 27 February 2006 in Beijing under the purview of the bilateral MOU on Cooperation in Water Resources. The Bangladesh delegation at the meeting was led by the Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources Mr. Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, BB. Mr. Wang Shucheng, Minister for Water Resources led the Chinese side.

The meeting, held in a very friendly and cordial atmosphere, decided that the designated agencies on both sides would soon work out the modalities for sharing of the data on the Brahmaputra river. The Chinese side appreciated the fact that real time hydrological data from the upstream of the Brahmaputra was essential for improving the lead time for flood forecasting and warning in Bangladesh. The two Ministers agreed to establish a fast mode of communication for transferring the data.

The Chinese side offered to share their expertise and technology in flood control and water resources management in comparable situations in Bangladesh. It was decided that the Ministerial level meeting would be followed up by a meeting at the Secretary level to decide on some specific projects in water resources utilization and management. Bangladesh side accepted the Chinese invitation to send a delegation to Beijing in the near future.

Both sides agreed to support each other on issues of mutual interest at international water forums. The two Ministers underscored the need for implementing the provisions of the bilateral MOU signed during the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s visit to China in August 2005. They stressed the need for strengthening regional cooperation for integrated basin wise management of the waters of the transboundary rivers.