China reiterates support for free trade zone<\/p>\n
Agence France-Presse, Beijing<\/p>\n
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji told his Thai counterpart that
\nBeijing was eager to push forward the establishment of a regional
\nSoutheast Asian free trade zone, state press said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Zhu made the comments in talks with Thai Prime Minister
\nThaksin Shinawatra at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing
\nTuesday evening, the leading People's Daily said.<\/p>\n
"China will abide by its commitments and take measures to
\nfoster a Sino-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) free
\ntrade zone to promote the economic development of ASEAN countries
\nand prosperity of the region," Zhu was quoted as saying.<\/p>\n
"Efforts to establish a Sino-ASEAN free trade zone is of
\nimportant and far-sighted significance."<\/p>\n
ASEAN comprises the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia,
\nThailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Thaksin is heading a 33-member delegation that includes his
\ndeputy Somkid Jatusripitak, Foreign Minister Surakiart
\nSathirathai and Commerce and Trade Minister Adisai Bhotharamik.<\/p>\n
"The goal of my visit is to express my thanks and the thanks
\nof the Thai government to you, your excellency the premier of the
\nPRC (People's republic of China), for you assistance and help to
\nThailand," Thaksin said.<\/p>\n
Zhu is set to step down at the session of China's parliament
\nnext month.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, Thaksin is scheduled to meet outgoing President
\nJiang Zemin and new Communist Party chief Hu Jintao, who is
\nexpected to take over for Jiang when his term expires in March.<\/p>\n
Thaksin will also meet vice premier Wen Jiabao, the likely
\nnext premier, and was expecting to hold a session with Li Peng,
\nthe outgoing number two and head of the state parliament who
\nvisited Thailand in September.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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