Tim Zhang: “Two Sessions” in China Again Draw Close Attention From Thai People | China-Thailand

Tim Zhang, Assistant to President of Siam University, Thailand/ Vice President of Thai-Chinese SME Commercial Association:

Following the success of the 19th CPC National Congress, which was held last October, the on-going “Two Sessions” in China again draw close attention from the people of all sectors in Thailand. The new development philosophy put forward by President Xi Jinping at the 19th CPC National Congress and the Government Work Report delivered at the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress have set the tone for the future development of China, which will not only bring benefits to the Chinese people, but will also chart a new course for China to strengthen its cooperation with neighboring countries.

In the higher education community in Thailand, there has been a fresh upsurge of “China studies”. In this connection, Siam University has set up the Thai Belt and Road Initiative Sinology Cultural Center to conduct thematic studies in the synergy of the development strategy of Thailand with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, especially the connectivity of policy, transportation, trade, finance and people, in order to contribute to further strengthening the close ties between China and Thailand.

Meanwhile, the business community in Thailand is also closely following China’s “Two Sessions”. The entrepreneur members of the Thai-Chinese SME Commercial Association are full of expectations for the upgrading of Sino-Thai economic cooperation. With the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, the construction of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Thailand will be full of opportunities. According to the Government Work Report, in 2018, more Chinese commodities and services are going to Thailand, which will definitely bring Thai Chinese entrepreneurs new investment and development opportunities. The Thai Chinese entrepreneurs are fully prepared for the transition of their businesses from bilateral commodity trade facilitator to bilateral services trade promoters. What they are especially interested in is the early introduction of “Chinese services” in the new energy sector into Thailand.