| Statement by H.E. Ambassador SUN Zhenyu of China on the WTO Trade Policy Review of Thailand |
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| Thursday,December 20,2007 Posted: 23:42 BJT(42 GMT) |
| From:Chinese Mission to WTO Article type:Original |
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to join the previous speakers in welcoming the delegation of Thailand headed by H.E. Ambassador Thawatchai and in thanking him for his comprehensive statement. I take this opportunity to thank the Secretariat and the Thai government for their tremendous efforts for the review. Our thanks also go to the discussant, H. E. Ambassador Manzoor Ahmad, for his insightful observation on the trade policy of Thailand.
Mr. Chairman, as a close and friendly neighour of Thailand, China is happy to note that Thailand has made steady economic progress since its previous review in 2003, with an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.7% despite a series of challenging elements. It is commendable that during the period under Review, Thailand has continued to undertake systematic efforts to increase the pace of its economic development, guided by the “sufficiency economy” principle. With the sustained growth in exports of goods and services, and strong capital inflows, the Thai economy has become more outward-oriented and more competitive in the world market.
Mr. Chairman, China and Thailand have enjoyed a very strong and close economic and trade relationship. As a key ASEAN member, Thailand plays an important role in China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation. Thailand is the third largest trading partner of China in South East Asia while China is Thailand’s third largest market. In 2006, our bilateral trade reached $28 billion, an increase of 27% over the previous year and is expected to reach $33 billion in the year 2007. The Joint Action Plan on China-Thailand Strategic Cooperation signed this year set detailed goals for future economic cooperation, among which we would expect that our bilateral trade would reach $50 billion by the year 2010. Furthermore, China and Thailand have developed extensive cooperation in various fields including project planning, finance and contracting services, which will provide a strong basis for more diversified and sustainable cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Chairman, China has submitted a few written questions and we appreciate the work done by the delegation of Thailand for providing us with the responses this morning.
Mr. Chairman, Thailand is a key player in the multilateral trading system. As a member of the G20 and “Cairns Group”, Thailand plays an important role in pursuing development-dimension of the Doha Round negotiations, We highly commend this role played by Thailand. China will, as always, continue to work closely with Thailand and other Members to bring this Round to a successful conclusion.
Finally, we wish the trade policy review of Thailand a success.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
(26 November, 2007) |
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