Beijing – China has pledged to invest US$400 million (about 13.2 billion baht) in infrastructure projects in Thailand, particularly the electric mass-transit rail routes in Bangkok.
Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who made the pledge to visiting Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Monday, also expressed gratitude to the Thai people for their assistance to victims of the recent strong earthquake in Chendu province.
The two premiers talked for an hour as Mr Samak began his four-day visit to China June 30 and July 3, according to the Thai News Agency reporter accompanying the Samak-led delegation.
Mr Wen affirmed that China greatly appreciated the assistance of Thailand's royal family and the public gave to the earthquake victims in Chendu.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, will join the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on August 8.
It is expected that the value of Sino-Thai trade will surpass $50 billion, or 165 billion baht in 2010.
Beijing will encourage companies with growth potential to provide loans of $400 million to finance the mega-projects envisioned to build the electric trains for metropolitan Bangkok.
China will also boost bilateral relations in the areas of education and culture, and finance the planned construction of a Sino-Thai Cultural Centre.
The Thai premier invited the Chinese business community to invest in Thailand, particularly to play a role in the development of public utilities and support facilities for the Bangkok's underground and elevate electric rail route construction.
He said Thailand was ready to give support if Chinese firms enter into joint ventures with Thai counterparts.
Mr Samak expressed his thanks for Beijing's financial support for development of Thailand's basic infrastructure and invited the Chinese premier to visit Thailand later this year. (TNA)
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