Bangkok: The President of the Privy Council opened the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2025, stating that Thailand and China are not far apart, but are brothers and sisters. Prime Minister Anutin declared Thailand's readiness to become a regional trade and investment hub, ready to serve as a major artery connecting ASEAN and southern China, highlighting five dimensions of connectivity, fostering close Thai-Chinese relations for 50 years.
According to Thai News Agency, General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, presided over the opening ceremony of the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2025, a grand event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Mr. Jiang Wei, Minister and Counselor of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand, Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, and Mr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, also attended the event.
General Surayud, the presiding officer of the ceremony, delivered the opening speech, stating that this event was an important event demonstrating the close friendship, trust, confidence, and comprehensive cooperation that the two countries have long enjoyed. At the head of state level, the strong ties between the royal courts of both countries have existed since ancient times, establishing a foundation for a relationship built on trust, honesty, and stability that continues to this day.
At the state-to-state level, we operate under mutual respect and honor, without interfering in internal affairs. At the people-to-people level, we have a close relationship, like one family, as the long-standing saying goes, "China and Thailand are not distant strangers, we are brothers and sisters."
At the private and public sector levels, both businesses are working together to drive the economy through tourism, trade and investment, and technology transfer for future generations. In this auspicious year, the Kingdom of Thailand and the People's Republic of China have also collaborated on numerous other important activities, reflecting the power of friendship that will lead to sustainable progress together.
Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, then delivered a special address, stating that on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the two countries have jointly established a solid foundation for cooperation in all areas of trade, investment, and people-to-people relations. He is confident that this foundation will lead to even greater opportunities.
China has demonstrated its technological development, digital economy, and leadership in clean energy. Thailand is upgrading its infrastructure and economic system to meet future growth needs. The convergence of our two countries' potential presents a golden opportunity for us to jointly create prosperity in five dimensions:
1. Dimension of infrastructure and logistics connectivity, investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project connecting ASEAN with southern China, creating a seamless trade and tourism network.
2. Green Economy and Clean Energy Dimension: Thailand is a production base for electric vehicles and technology, including batteries, with China as a key partner. A new five-year trade and economic cooperation development plan has been established from 2025 to 2029 to expand cooperation into new strategic areas, including semi-quantum computers and green energy batteries.
3. Digital technology and innovation: Creating a digital economy platform, linking cross-border trade and financial systems, and researching artificial intelligence to facilitate access to new markets for Thai and Chinese entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs and startups.
4. Agricultural dimensions and military security.
5. People-to-people exchanges in education, culture, and tourism, including student and professional exchanges in language and culture, will strengthen Thai-Chinese relations based on understanding and building on the cultural heritage passed down by the ancestors of both countries.
Mr. Anutin also stated that we are committed to making Thailand a regional hub for trade, investment, and innovation. We will work closely with China to reduce barriers, streamline regulations, and facilitate business operations, fostering growth for the private sectors of both countries. Thailand will prove that we are not just economic partners, but also a key gateway to other areas of cooperation within the ASEAN region, ensuring that the long-standing friendship between Thailand and China serves as a springboard for sustainable development.
The Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2025 will be held from September 26-28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Challenger Halls 2-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani. The theme is "50 Years of Thai-Chinese Relations: Towards Shared Prosperity." Entrepreneurs, investors, importers and exporters, traders, and business leaders from Thailand, China, and internationally will participate. The event aims to foster connections and propel the country towards becoming a global supply chain hub, covering a wide range of industries, including technology and innovation, trade and investment, green energy and sustainable agriculture, automotive and EVs, logistics and supply chains, and food and beverage.