China has affirmed its interest in taking
part in Thailand's basic infrastructure development, including projects that
will provide better linkages throughout the country like high-speed rail,
foreign ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow said yesterday.
Sihasak,
who also serves as acting foreign minister, was speaking after chairing a
meeting in Beijing of Thai diplomats, government officials and businessmen
working in China.
He was
on an official visit to China to participate in the two-day second
China-Thailand Strategic Dialogue, which concluded yesterday.
"China
has expressed continuing interest to take part in Thailand's basic
infrastructure developments such as the high-speed train, which will provide
linkage for the region, and the water management project," Sihasak said.
"We
have responded that the National Council for Peace and Order intends to proceed
with the plan, provided there is transparency and the funding for the projects
is manageable within the annual budget. China has accepted our stand in this
regard."
Thailand
also sought Chinese investments in projects that will give added value to Thai
agricultural products, including rubber, rice and cassava, he said.
Sihasak
expressed satisfaction with the results of his trip, saying China has a good
understanding of the reasons for the May 22 power seizure by the military.
He said
China understood that the military had to rein in the situation because the
country was tilting dangerously towards major civil strife.
He said
he had also explained the reasons behind the coup to western countries and
assured them that Thailand still upheld democracy. However, the country needed
stability and security because this was the only way democracy could be
strengthened.
"Thailand
is in a transition period," Sihasak said. "We have to show the world
that we can still move forward, especially on foreign affairs."
"We
must play strong, proactive roles in bilateral relations with our neighbouring
countries in Asean and on other international stages."
Sihasak
said his visit to China was aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between
the two countries, as China was one of Thailand's biggest economic partners and
a major export market.
He has
proposed to China that a high-level committee be established to oversee all
economic cooperation between the two countries.
China
has expressed a wish that a third meeting of the joint-committee on trade,
investment and the economy be held when Thailand is ready.
Nuntida
Puangthong
Business & Investment Opportunities
Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd (SBC) is incorporated
in Singapore since 1994.
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