During 1 - 2 April 2022, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand paid a visit to Huangshan City, Anhui Province, the People’s Republic of China, at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister led a delegation which included representatives from the Thai private sector to discuss ways to strengthen and enhance relations as well as promote cooperation between Thailand and China with a view to revitalizing the economy from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and global situation.

The Deputy Prime Minister and the State Councilor agreed to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Thailand and China, which marks its 10^th anniversary this year, and to enhance cooperation to promote economic revitalization and development. In this regard, they discussed trade facilitation, particularly by speedily resolving issues related to the transport of agricultural products and fruits from Thailand to China through land border checkpoints in view of the approaching fruit high season, with proposals that include establishing a “green lane” and increasing service capacity at the checkpoints to expedite the inspection process of the perishable goods. Both sides also discussed promotion of investment by Chinese private sectors in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), protection of businesses and investment of both countries, utilization of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, and enhancement of connectivity, particularly between the China-Laos railway and Thailand’s railway system.

Both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas that are supportive to future development, such as digital technologies, FinTech, clean energy, as well as food and energy security. The two sides also agreed to advance cooperation in public health and education as well as strengthen relations through high-level and people-to-people exchanges, particularly facilitation of travel for Thai students to return to China to continue their studies. The Chinese side would also consider the request for Thai airlines to resume commercial flights to China.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. On the situation in Ukraine, they discussed in particular the importance of continuing dialogue to resolve the situation through peaceful means, responding and finding ways to address the humanitarian crisis, and addressing economic revitalization and widespread impacts of the situation on the international community. On the situation in Myanmar, both sides reaffirmed the wish to see peace and stability in the country, and renewed support for Cambodia as ASEAN Chair. In addition, they expressed their intention to work closely together in the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), ASEAN, APEC, as well as United Nations frameworks.

After the bilateral meeting with the State Councilor, the Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Wang Qingxian,  Governor of Anhui, together with key economic agencies of Anhui Province; namely, the National Development and Reform Commission, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Department of Commerce, Department of Science and Technology, and Foreign Affairs Office as well as representatives of important businesses in Anhui Province. The two sides exchanged views on ways to enhance cooperation on economic development, particularly in high potential industries, including electric vehicle production and electronics, education and scientific cooperation, as well as promoting ties at the local government level such as the establishment of sister cities.