PM leaves for China to boost ties and economic cooperation

Hu Jintao

It is his first first visit to China since taking office in December.

Thai News Agency reported that his entourage is the biggest delegation Thailand has organized since he assumed office, and includes more than 100 representatives from both government and the private sectors.

The premier said that his trip is very important as China is a pivotal strategic partner and plays crucial roles in regional and world levels in the fields of economy and security.

During the visit from Wednesday to Saturday, he is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart Premier Wen Jiabao and pay a courtesy call on Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The government wished to to upgrade Sino-Thai bilateral relations and partnership in terms of regional policy as well as China's role in relation to Asean.

He added that expanded economic cooperation is also on the agenda with Chinese leaders.

TNA reported three major topics to be discussed during the visit are Thai fruit exports to the Chinese market; investment in infrastructure projects - China's capital and expertise, particularly rail transport and tourism as Chinese tourists are quite important to the Thai economy.

Thai business executives had joined his delegation to China, therefore, he wanted to see the investment and business deals between Chinese and Thai businesspeople which would benefit the Thai economy.

Moreover, the Thai PM said he would raise the panda issue to discuss with Chinese leaders. He expected that the Chinese would understand and agree to extend the cub's stay in the kingdom.

The panda pair, Lin Hui and Chuang Chuang, produced a baby panda during their temporary stay in Thailand.

He said the baby panda, delivered on May 27 in Thailand by the panda Lin Hui was another ambassador to help bring the two countries even closer.

The Thai government hopes to set up a permanent panda research centre to give birth to more panda babies, though it needs the assistance and cooperation from China.