Hand in hand toward a better future

People watch a Thai traditional dance in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, in September during the 10th China-ASEAN Expo. Zhang Ailin / Xinhua

Since the turn of the century, China-Thailand relations have entered a fast track of sound growth. A comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership has been established and there are tremendous opportunities and room for the expansion of cooperation in various fields.

We share the same development goals. As two important developing countries in the region, both China and Thailand give top priority to development and both are working to achieve economic prosperity and national development and improve people's well-being. Amid complicated and profound changes in the international situation, Asia's status and role in the world are becoming increasingly prominent. For China and Thailand, nothing is more important than national development and revival. Our destinies are closely linked and our interests intertwined. To support and work with each other for common progress is a wish shared by both countries, which serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples.

We have vast opportunities for cooperation. Thailand is an important ASEAN member, ranking second, third and fourth among ASEAN countries in terms of economic size, total area and population. Thailand is implementing its 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan, advancing infrastructural development and further improving people's living standards. China, for its part, is in the process of implementing its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) toward the goal of doubling its 2010 GDP and per capita income by 2020 and completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. China's development will unleash even greater market demand. This represents important cooperation opportunities and huge cooperation space for Thailand and other ASEAN countries.

Thailand is a leading producer of rice and other agricultural products. China will support its companies in importing 1 million tons of Thai rice in the next five years as well as more specialty produce from Thailand. Rail cooperation will become a new highlight in our bilateral cooperation. China has gained rich experience and credentials in high-speed railway construction. We are ready to take an active part in high-speed rail development in Thailand, because this will facilitate the movement of goods and personnel in the region and enhance Thailand's role as a regional transport hub. China and Thailand will vigorously carry out cooperation in electricity, power grid, water conservancy and renewable energy. As our economic and personnel exchanges get closer, China will seriously consider the establishment of a yuan clearing bank in Thailand to create conditions for Chinese and Thai companies to increase cross-border yuan trade settlement.

Our two countries share a solid cultural and people-to-people bond. In 2012, there were nearly three million mutual visits between the mainland of China and Thailand. And the number has risen dramatically since the start of this year. Chinese has become a popular second foreign language among Thai friends while Thai cuisine, TV series and sports are winning the hearts of more people in China. Jointly sponsored activities such as the "Two Lands One Heart" gala and the "Happy Chinese Spring Festival" in Bangkok have flourished over the years and become bridges for heart-to-heart communication between our two peoples.

We are full of confidence in the future growth of China-Thailand relations. We hope that China-Thailand friendship will keep surging forward like the Yangtze River and the Chao Phraya River. Let us join hands and embrace a brighter future.