China and Thailand on Thursday pledged to jointly boost their economic and trade cooperation at the 2nd Meeting of the Thailand-China Joint Committee on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Vice Premier Wu Yi and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak cochaired the meeting and exchanged views on cooperation on trade and economy, agriculture, quality inspection and tourism, and reached a consensus.

Wu, who is leading a delegation of over 50 Chinese entrepreneurs to Chiang Mai, said the meeting is of great significance since it was held coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese-Thai diplomatic relations.

Speaking of the cooperation between the two countries since the first joint committee meeting on trade, investment and economic cooperation held in July last year, Wu said great advancement has been made in the economic and trade field with bilateral trade volume maintaining a momentum of rapid growth.

Wu noted that remarkable progress has also been achieved in the field of mutual investment, quality inspection and tourism and in the establishment of China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone.

She expressed hope that the two sides will reinforce cooperation in mega-projects, trademark, quality inspection, tourism and people-to-people relations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Somkid Jatusripitak said the meeting will definitely intensify the strategic partnership between China and Thailand, which acts as the economic gateway of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"It will eventually result in the continuous growth in investment and tourism between the two countries," said Somkid.

He hoped the meeting will enhance understanding and establish friendly relations between the two sides and lay solid foundation for future economic and trade cooperation.

Earlier on Thursday, the Sino-Thai Economic and Investment Partnership Seminar witnessed the participation of representatives from 20 Chinese enterprises and more than 60 Thai businessmen.

The seminar has provided a very good platform for entrepreneurs of the two countries and is surely an important activity in promoting the economic and trade exchanges between them, said Wu.

(Xinhua News Agency September 23, 2005)