China, Thailand ink trade deal

China, Thailand ink trade deal

Thailand and China on Wednesday signed a comprehensive framework agreement to enhance trade and the economic partnership between the two nations.

The cooperation agreement, effective immediately, covers seven key areas: trade, investment, science and technology, digital, tourism, finance, and regional economic cooperation.

On trade, the two countries aim to double two-way trade to US$140 billion (4.6 trillion baht) by 2021 from $73.67 billion in 2017.

Both countries have also pledged to support Thai entrepreneurs' participation in the China International Import Expo every year and promote agricultural cooperation.

Thailand and China have also agreed to hold regular meetings of a joint committee and joint working panels to facilitate trade.

China is Thailand's largest trading partner and fifth-largest investor in Thailand. Chinese investment in Thailand jumped to $8.19 billion in 2017 from $70 million in 2008.

Bids to find a contractor for the second phase of the Thai-Sino rail project linking Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima begin this month.

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