China reiterates support for free trade zone

China reiterates support for free trade zone

Agence France-Presse, Beijing

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji told his Thai counterpart that
Beijing was eager to push forward the establishment of a regional
Southeast Asian free trade zone, state press said on Wednesday.

Zhu made the comments in talks with Thai Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing
Tuesday evening, the leading People's Daily said.

"China will abide by its commitments and take measures to
foster a Sino-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) free
trade zone to promote the economic development of ASEAN countries
and prosperity of the region," Zhu was quoted as saying.

"Efforts to establish a Sino-ASEAN free trade zone is of
important and far-sighted significance."

ASEAN comprises the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia,
Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia.

Thaksin is heading a 33-member delegation that includes his
deputy Somkid Jatusripitak, Foreign Minister Surakiart
Sathirathai and Commerce and Trade Minister Adisai Bhotharamik.

"The goal of my visit is to express my thanks and the thanks
of the Thai government to you, your excellency the premier of the
PRC (People's republic of China), for you assistance and help to
Thailand," Thaksin said.

Zhu is set to step down at the session of China's parliament
next month.

On Wednesday, Thaksin is scheduled to meet outgoing President
Jiang Zemin and new Communist Party chief Hu Jintao, who is
expected to take over for Jiang when his term expires in March.

Thaksin will also meet vice premier Wen Jiabao, the likely
next premier, and was expecting to hold a session with Li Peng,
the outgoing number two and head of the state parliament who
visited Thailand in September.