(MENAFN) State media reported that China has signed deals worth USD7.8 billion with Myanmar, as the first continues to stress its growing economic existence in Southeast Asia, Oman Observer reported.

The agreements, which were signed by the Chinese Premier and Myanmar President, included deals to build power plants fuelled by natural gas, according to China Daily.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Myanmar's capital, where China offered USD20 billion in loans to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).