China envoy sets three-point plan for Thai trade

China's Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Zhang Jianwei, has set out a three-point plan for expanding trade, investment and industrial links between Thailand and China.

Speaking at a networking reception during the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani on 24 July, Zhang said closer business cooperation could turn high-level agreements into practical economic results.

The event was attended by Thai Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and senior figures from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Wider access to China's market

Zhang said Thai companies should make greater use of China's domestic market, particularly as China pursues growth in green technology, digital development and smart manufacturing.

He described these sectors as potential entry points for high-quality Thai goods and services. The ambassador said the expo was an important channel for matching business objectives, strengthening industrial connections and building consensus between the two countries.

For foreign-owned firms operating in Thailand, the proposal points to potential commercial opportunities in supply chains serving the Chinese market, particularly for businesses involved in technology, manufacturing and green industries.

Supply chains and infrastructure

The ambassador also called for closer integration of Thai and Chinese industrial and supply chains, saying the two economies had complementary strengths.

He urged Chinese companies investing in Thailand to follow an "In Thailand, For Thailand" approach by becoming part of the domestic business ecosystem, developing local skills and creating skilled jobs. Thai businesses, meanwhile, were encouraged to use Chinese technological innovation to strengthen their competitiveness internationally.

Zhang referred to the recent official visit by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Beijing, when both countries reaffirmed their intention to deepen strategic relations. He said discussions between Anutin and Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined the need to speed up major infrastructure connections, including the Thailand-China Railway and the wider China-Laos-Thailand rail network.

He also identified artificial intelligence, aerospace and clean energy as areas for expanded bilateral projects. Improved rail links could eventually matter to foreign residents and visitors travelling around the region, although no new timetable or travel arrangements were announced in the address.

Call for responsible investment

The third part of Zhang's strategy was an open and inclusive investment environment built on sustainable and socially responsible projects.

He said companies from both countries should build trust through concrete and mutually beneficial results that bring visible benefits to the public in Thailand and China.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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26 July 2026

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