China's sustained and rapid economic growth and the expedited
move toward a free trade area with the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) spell broad prospects for economic and trade
cooperation between China and Thailand, Chinese President Hu Jintao
said in Bangkok on Saturday.
The strengthening of economic and trade cooperation between the
two countries will definitely infuse fresh vitality into the
development of bilateral relations, Hu said in a speech delivered
at a luncheon hosted in his honor at the Thai-Chinese Chamber of
Commerce by Thai-Chinese and Thais of Chinese origin.
Hu said the signing in June of an agreement between China and
Thailand on scrapping tariffs on vegetables and fruits, concluded
within the framework of the China-ASEAN free trade area, represents
a milestone in the Sino-Thai economic and trade cooperation, and it
will boost the progress of establishing a China-ASEAN free trade
area.
Under the June agreement, which went into force on October 1,
188 kinds of farm products of the two countries enjoy zero tariffs
in bilateral trade.
Hu praised the local Chinese community for their important
contributions to the economic and social progress of Thailand and
for their efforts in advancing Thai-Chinese friendship.
He also thanked them for their donations in spring to China when
it was battling the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS).
Hu said the precious understanding and support is an embodiment
of the deep affection between the peoples of China and Thailand.
The remarks were met with warm applause.
The Chinese president also briefed the participants at the
luncheon on the situation in China, including the recent success of
its first manned space flight. He said China will continue to work
with the international community in the exploration of the universe
and make its due contribution to peace and development of
mankind.
Hu, who is here on a state visit, noted that he and King
Bhumibol Adulyadej and other Thai hosts exchanged views and reached
broad consensus on bilateral ties and other issues of common
concern.
We have both agreed to push the Sino-Thai friendly cooperation
to a higher level, he added.
Boonsong Srifuengfung, president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of
Commerce, said China is in the middle of a new round of economic
expansion following 25 years of great achievements in its reform
and opening-up, and it represents an immense inspiration to tens of
millions of overseas Chinese and people of Chinese origin.
He congratulated China on the success of its first manned space
flight.
The Chinese president, who arrived here on Friday, will attend
the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economic leaders'
meeting scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. He will then pay state
visits to Australia and New Zealand.
(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2003)