China, Thailand eye future five-year plan for trade ties

China and Thailand should outline the future five-year plan and define major projects for bilateral trade ties, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao here on Friday.

While meeting with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in the southern China city of Guangzhou, Wen suggested the two countries enhance cooperation in the field of infrastructure like railway and expand mutual investment so as to push forward bilateral trade relationship in a continuous and deep manner.

Abhisit is in Guangzhou to attend the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games.

China has become the biggest export destination and the second trading partner of Thailand, said Wen, calling on the two countries to using the platform of China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) free trade area to increase bilateral trade exchanges.

China and ASEAN, including Thailand, officially launched the free trade agreement at the start of this year.

China would work closely with ASEAN to jointly tackle challenges in the region and make progress on pushing forward China-ASEAN strategic partnership and boosting cooperation in East Asia, said Wen.

Abhisit said Thailand would make joint efforts with China to promote mutual political trust and deepen trade cooperation so as to advance bilateral ties more vigorously.

China has played an important role in promoting cooperation in East Asia and has contributed to peace, stability and development in the region and the world, said Abhisit.

The 2010 Asian Games, which raises its curtain on Friday evening, will see a record 9,704 athletes from 45 Asian countries and regions.
(Source:xinhua)