Chinese ambassador expresses confidence in Belt and Road Initiative benefiting Thailand and China

Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang expressed his confidence yesterday that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would foster mutual growth and provide numerous benefits to both Thailand and China.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Contemporary China with the World: An Exchange of a New Generation between Thailand and China,” the ambassador highlighted the BRI’s role in guiding and advancing bilateral relations while creating a new, open, and inclusive system for development. The event took place at Chandrakasem Rajabhat University and was organised by several institutions, including the One Belt One Road Research Centre and the Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Centre.

Ambassador Han Zhiqiang discussed the alignment between Thailand’s 20-year strategic plan and the Thailand 4.0 policy, which focuses on the Bio-Circular-Green Economic Model (BCG), with China’s BRI objectives. He emphasised that both nations have comprehensive development policies and share a vision for a sustainable future.

A key symbol of cooperation in connectivity and infrastructure development, according to the Chinese ambassador, is the Chinese-Thai rail development project. The second phase of this project is set to start in 2024 and finish in 2028. Once completed, the state-of-the-art rail system will energise economic development and significantly reduce the cost of transporting goods between Thailand, Laos, and China.

In addition to infrastructure cooperation, Ambassador Han Zhiqiang stressed the importance of promoting bilateral trade to ensure that the BRI remains beneficial to the citizens of both countries. Indeed, in 2022, China invested in 158 projects, making it the largest foreign investor in Thailand. The Rayong Thai-Chinese Industrial Estate specifically attracted more than 180 Chinese firms, resulting in the creation of over 45,000 jobs for the local population.

With people-to-people connections forming a strong foundation for collaboration within the BRI framework, the ambassador also discussed the cooperation between the two countries in handling the Covid-19 pandemic. This collaboration serves as an example of how Thailand and China can work together to overcome major challenges and improve the lives of their citizens.

Ultimately, the positive relationship between Thailand and China, as highlighted by Ambassador Han Zhiqiang’s speech, demonstrates the potential for the BRI to foster improved bilateral relations between the two countries.

By focusing on shared goals and sustainability, the two nations can enjoy mutually beneficial economic growth, support global development, and provide tangible benefits for their people. Through continued cooperation and open dialogue on contemporary challenges, Thailand and China can look forward to an even stronger partnership in the years to come.