Thai FM hopes ASEAN, China special meet to boost trade
By English News



BEIJING, Aug 29 - Thai Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said today he hoped the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China will strengthen their economic cooperation and trade.

Attending the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 28-29 August in Beijing, the Thai foreign minister thanked the Chinese government for co-chairing the meeting with Thailand, saying that he hoped the meeting would boost ASEAN-China ties in terms of trade, economy and connectivity to higher levels.

Beijing is reportedly enthusiastic about organising such a meeting as part of this year’s commemorative activities to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership.

The meeting is serving as a platform for ASEAN and Chinese foreign ministers to discuss future cooperation to advance ASEAN-China strategic partnership covering areas of trade and economy. Talks to widen the list of products covered under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be held to boost trade value, while the South China Sea spat is also on the spotlight as China and other countries in the region do not want the spat to affect ties between China and the regional grouping.

China also calls on governments in the region to financially support the China-ASEAN investment Cooperation Fund to help facilitate infrastructure development in ASEAN.

On this occasion, Mr Surapong will also pay a courtesy call on Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-08-29

Keep hoping,if you don't side with "the spat"that suits them, be careful they don't squash you under their heel,I think the US owe them so much they could do the same if so inclined,Thailand?????????

Yes Thailand could trade them rotten rice for defective pads.

Maybe it is time that Thailand reconsider their position on partnering with China for a high speed railroad through Thailand.

I see where the U S Government is funding a 15 billion US$ High Speed Rail in Malaysia.

Edited August 29, 201312 yr by hellodolly

trade rice for obnoxious tourist groups?

Fail to see what Thailand could wish to trade with China........... both sides are equally capable of making defective products, that fall apart within a couple months of usage. Both the sentences, made in China and made in Thailand will only cost you more in the long run.

You want to sell more to China, they want to sell more to you.