China and Myanmar pushed cooperation forward on Friday, introducing an energy liaison committee and signing more than a dozen deals relating to energy, finance, infrastructure and agriculture.

The strides were made as China has pressed ahead with its ambitious initiatives to fuel Asian growth by focusing on free trade and connectivity.

After some frustrations involving Chinese investment in the country's infrastructure over the past few years, Myanmar's government is seeking to reassure Beijing that it is welcome, and Beijing has responded positively, observers said.