Beijing eyes train deal
Premier Wen calls for fair, open competition
Published: 22/11/2012 at 12:00 AM Newspaper section: News
China has expressed a special interest in the kingdom's high-speed
train project and confirmed its intention to compete for the deal.
His Majesty the King holds an audience with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao
on the 14th floor of the Chalerm Prakiat building at Siriraj Hospital
yesterday. Mr Wen wrapped up his 24-hour visit to Thailand yesterday.
The message was conveyed to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by
visiting Chinese premier Wen Jiabao during a meeting at Government
House yesterday, Damrong Kraikruan, chief of the Foreign Ministry's
East Asia Department said.
China has sent a proposal to the government for consideration.
Mr Wen reiterated his country's plan to join international firms in
bidding for the project and expressed hope the contest would be
transparent and fair, Mr Damrong said.
Thailand plans two high-speed railway lines to Chiang Mai and Nong
Khai though it has yet to set bidding conditions for the multi-billion
dollar plan.
Many other countries have also expressed an interest in competing.
"China is more interested in the project than other countries because
this railway will link us to China," Mr Damrong said.
The Bangkok-Nong Khai railway will also link to Laos, which has
announced plans to start construction in January on a $7 billion
railway line from Vientiane to the Chinese border, to be completed in
2018, according to state media reports.
Laos plans to finance it with a Chinese loan. The 420km project will
use a standard-gauge track of 1.435 metres and require the
construction of 76 tunnels and 154 bridges.
The Chinese leader arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday night for a 24-hour
visit while en route back to Beijing after having attended the East
Asia Summit in Cambodia.
It was his first visit to Bangkok in 10 years after assuming the top
position in the Chinese government. He is stepping down in March next
year.
During his stay in Bangkok, Mr Wen presided over the opening ceremony
of the Chinese Cultural Centre, made a courtesy call on Privy Council
president Prem Tinsulanonda, and was granted an audience by His
Majesty the King.
Thailand and China yesterday inked four memorandums of understanding
on rice, education, increased cooperation in those areas, and prisoner
exchanges.
Mr Damrong said the bilateral talks between the Thai and the Chinese
leaders were dominated by trade and investment issues.
Ms Yingluck told reporters at a joint press conference that the two
countries have agreed to increase trade and investment. China has
agreed to purchase more agricultural products such as rice, cassava,
rubber and fruit from Thailand.
Thailand has asked the Chinese government to help take care of Thai
investors facing problems dealing with local Chinese governments.
Ms Yingluck said Bangkok also expressed an interest in exporting
ethanol to China. A joint panel on trade and investment will tackle
the issues further.
On the rice deal, Ms Yingluck said private sector representatives of
both countries signed an agreement on Tuesday to buy rice from
Thailand.
The exact volume of rice could not be disclosed, a government source
said. The deal was brokered by the private sector, not through the
governments.
Ms Yingluck said the government has invited Chinese investors to put
more money into Thailand. The kingdom has set a target pushing for a
15% increase in Chinese investment here every year.
Thailand would like more investment in natural rubber processing,
biological plastics and motor vehicles, she said.
Mr Wen expressed an interest in encouraging Chinese investment in the
Dawei deep-sea port project, the kingdom's high-speed railway lines
and the flood protection system.
Ms Yingluck praised Mr Wen for playing an important role in promoting
Sino-Thai relations and helping strengthen the Asian region.
Mr Wen said China was ready to work with Thailand to help push
Asean-China cooperation forward.
He said China would work with Bangkok to develop transport,
agriculture, irrigation and the Mekong region.
China was also ready to support Thai students studying Mandarin in
Thailand, Mr Wen said.
TBWG
Search Option
Recent Posts
Todays Birthdays
