DPM SOMKID SAYS THAILAND CAN BE THE TRADE CENTER BETWEEN ASEAN AND CHINA

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister SOMKID JATUSRIPITAK (สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์) has indicated that Thailand has always cooperated with the ASEAN. He also views that Thailand has a geographical advantage, and can be the trade center between China and ASEAN.

Last year, ASEAN country members and China had traded goods worth more than 105 billion USD. At the same time, Thailand and China made trade transactions worth about 17 billion USD. Thus, Dr. SOMKID said China is becoming to be an increasingly important figure in the world trade arena. However, this does not mean that China will become just a fierce competitor, but the country can help strengthen Asia if effective integration has been made between ASEAN and China.

A Chinese official said Thailand and China have been closely trading and working together for many years. Both countries have dealt with SARS epidemic, bird flu outbreak and last year’s tsunami aftermath. Thus, the bilateral relations between the two countries are exemplary.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันพุธที่ 26 ตุลาคม 2548

And get ripped of by customs officials, while waiting 3 month for it to clear? I should think other countries with a large chinese speaking part of the population could do this job better... but maybe I am wrong?