The two countries have also decided to swap air flights by their national airlines to boost business and tourist exchanges.

The road link will connect Bangladesh with China's southwestern Yunnan Province which is the closest in proximity between the two countries.

The decisions were made at meetings between a visiting high-powered delegation from China and Bangladeshi officials here yesterday.

The eight-member Chinese delegation headed by Shao Qiwei, vice governor of Yunnan, arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day to explore ways for opening up communication and expanding bilateral business opportunities.

At a meeting with Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury at the Secretariat, the two sides discussed on expanding trade and agreed to open the direct road link between Bangladesh and Yunnan Province of China, via Myanmar. Construction work on the road link will start during next dry season.

Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury said direct goods transportation between China and Bangladesh will be quicker after completion of the road construction within one and a half year.

Besides, the two countries will arrange single-country trade fairs for wider familiarisation of their products. Under the Bangkok Agreement, Bangladesh is enjoying duty-free access of its 84 products to the Chinese market, the commerce minister told reporters in a briefing after the meeting.

Shao Qiwei, the leader of the Chinese delegation, said there is a tremendous scope for expanding business relations between the two countries.

Adviser to the Commerce Ministry Barkat Ullah Bulu, Commerce Secretary M Aminur Rahman and senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.