The third forum was held yesterday in Yunnan province and projected that trade value between Asean and the 11 provinces would reach US$100 billion (Bt3.8 trillion) within the next three years.

Thailand's Commerce Ministry reported that trade between Asean and 11 provinces -Yunnan, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Hong Kong and Macao - grew by 15 per cent last year to US$46 billion, accounting for 35 per cent of China's total trade.

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said this was the time for the rise of Asia.

Asean and the 11 provinces will play a crucial role for the world's economy and explore a new frontier of joint initiatives, he said.

Somkid said Asean should hold a meeting with the 11 provinces to jointly draw up strategies to boost trade.

The multilevel linkage and tripartite cooperation between government, public and private sectors will encourage the two sides to achieve a quantum leap in progress, Somkid said.

 "All the governors have agreed to this meeting, waiting only for central government approval," he said, adding that he would meet Chinese Trade Minister Bo Xi Lai this year.

Thailand hopes to host a meeting between the PPRD and Asean this year. Being the host for the meeting will lead Thailand to become the No 1 gateway of China to Asean, said Somkid.

"The country is ready to be the gateway for China as we have three strategic plans for serving China's access to the region.

"Firstly, two transportation networks will be finished this year: roads linking southern China's Kunming via Chiang Khong of Laos to Chiang Rai, Thailand.

"Secondly, Thailand is developing marine transportation to facilitate shipping to China via Hong Kong. Finally, the Board of Investment has set up 16,000 rai of land as an industrial zone in Chiang Rai to serve Chinese investors. The industrial zone will focus on many industries such as textiles, processed foods, and electronic products."

Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Yi Xiaozhun said future cooperation between the PPRD and Asean will not only create common interests, but also enhance understanding between China and Asean.

Thailand's initiative to establish a board committee for trade and investment promotion as well as Thailand and China Business Councils in the 11 southern provinces is expected to further tighten the relationship between the two countries.

Since the PPRD region is the heart of China's economic growth, the deepening cooperation with Asean will turn the two regions into the centre of Asia's economy and create one of the world's most important economic zones, Yi said.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

 The Nation

Yunnan