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China, Thailand chart trade future with new vitality
Last Updated: 2013-08-01 16:22 | CE.cn
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----China Economic New exclusive interview with Dr. Phaichit Viboontanasarn, Minister (Commercial), Office of Commercial Affairs of Royal Thailand Embassy in China 

By Li Hongmei

China and Thailand are close neighbors who cherish a long history of close contacts and cordial relationship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, the bilateral relations have developed rapidly in various fields.

Also, since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, China and Thailand have signed many cooperation agreements with a common desire for mutual benefits. As a consequence, Chinese -Thai economic as well as trade and investment relations have been steadily expanding. New mechanisms have been created between the two parties to promote their trade and economic relations as well as other cooperation schemes in the areas of education, science, culture, health, sports, etc.

Dr. Phaichit Viboontanasarn, Minister (Commercial) of Thailand Embassy in China, accepted an exclusive interview with China Economic Net on July 31 (Wednesday), talking about the achievements the two countries have all these years attained and potentials to be explored, as the both countries agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership."  More significantly, the bilateral economic and trade ties and two-way investment will accordingly see a significant upsurge. 

Dr. Phaichit Viboontanasarn is upbeat on the future of the bilateral cooperaDr. Phaichit Viboontanasarn, Minister (Commercial) of Thailand Embassy in Chination and development.

"The goal to expand Thailand-China trade to 100 billion US dollars annually before 2015 is challenging, but achievable, seeing the good momentum of development for bilateral trade ties. Besides, the complementarity in Thai-Chinese economic and trade relations will be fully exploited in the future," he remarked.

In 2012, China-Thailand bilateral trade volume approached US$ 70 billion, with Thailand as China's second largest trade partner in ASEAN and the major import source country of rice and natural rubber. Also, China is both the largest export market and also leading import source for Thailand.

In December of 2011, during the visit to Thailand by the then Vice President Xi Jinping, the two sides signed the MOU on sustainable development, and agreed to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation on such four fields as railway, water conservancy, clean energy and tablet computer purchase, which injected new vitality to bilateral trade and economic development.

Close cooperation between the two countries is not merely confined to state officials, but both people have also increased their contacts and strengthened their cultural ties. The Chinese hit 'Lost in Thailand' breaks through the one-billion-yuan ($160.4-million) mark at the box office by opening up a special vista for the Chinese audience to look into the unique and charming Thai culture and people, convincing many Chinese people Thailand is a must for tourists.

"Thailand and China are friendly neighbors, and the great achievements of cooperation on varied fields have brought solid benefits to the two countries and people, "said Dr. Phaichit Viboontanasarn.

 

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