BANGKOK -Thailand and China have expressed their readiness to engage in economic cooperation in the areas of farming, tourism and transport as well as investments.
Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong has met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit to Thailand to attend the fourth Joint Committee (JC) Meeting on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said Thailand has agreed under the JC framework to ensure crop hygiene especially rice which China imports from Thailand.
The two countries are also planning to increase the number of tourist arrivals between both sides to 10 million per year. More farm goods from Thailand are also expected to be exported to China under the agreement.
In addition, trade value between both countries will be increased to 120 billion US dollars within 5 years. China will help Thailand expand its transport system while also helping develop economic zones for rubber, fruit and Halal food in the South of Thailand.
China and Thailand will also jointly develop a medium speed railway between Bangkok and Nong Khai. A ceremony is scheduled this Saturday to mark the inauguration of the cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister further said that China has shown great interest to invest in 10 industries in Thailand.
