BANGKOK, Oct 12 – Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang has called for a strengthened relationship between China and Thailand as well as long-term strategic cooperation in order to bring the two countries closer.
In his address to Thai Parliament yesterday, the Chinese leader said Thailand has become a popular destination for Chinese tourists and the number of Chinese visitors to the kingdom was 2.5 million people in the first five months of the year.
He said the latest trade value of US$70 billion between China and Thailand was an increase by eightfold from last year, with agricultural produce, particularly rubber, as the major import from the kingdom.
Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to sign a cooperation treaty with China on trade, tax and duty, agriculture and joint opening of Thai-Chinese cultural centre, he said.
He said China would be ready to enhance bilateral relationship and strategic cooperation, as well as collaborate with Thailand on water management and development of technology, agriculture, communication and economy.
There would be a concrete cooperation plan for US$100 billion investment in 2015, he said.
Mr Li Keqiang said China would import one million tonnes of rice from Thailand in the next five years, and increase rubber import while mechanisms for agricultural cooperation would be boosted to allow debt repayment by foreign currencies.
He expressed hope that his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra would discuss with China about cooperation on a high-speed train in Thailand.
The Chinese leader called on Thai Parliament to support two proposed items of legislation aimed at improving the living standards of people from the two countries and boost bilateral relationship.
He said China would respond to Thailand’s request to revoke visa requirements for Thai passport holders and cooperate with Thailand on territorial waters, environmental conservation and work closely with Thailand in every aspect.
