On 10 July 2023, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, hosted a working lunch in honour of H.E. Ms. Cai Lixin, Executive Vice Chairwoman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during her visit to Thailand between 9 - 12 July 2023. The Ministry’s Executives, along with Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of PTTOR China (Shanghai) Co., Ltd also joined the working lunch.

Both sides reflected on the close ties between Thailand and Guangxi and exchanged views on deepening cooperation in important areas including trade and investment, connectivity, tourism, educational exchanges, people-to-people relations, as well as poverty alleviation where Guangxi has expertise. They welcomed prospects for increased direct investment between Thailand and Guangxi. As Guangxi has been designated by the Chinese Government to play the role of China’s gateway to ASEAN, both sides agreed to make full use of this policy and strengthen their collaboration in the ASEAN framework. Guangxi will also host the China - ASEAN Expo (CAExpo), which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this September in Nanning and therefore, extended an invitation for a high-level representation from Thailand at this important event.

This was Ms. Cai’s first visit to Thailand and also the first overseas visit of Guangxi’s high-level executive in three years since the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Cai assumed the office as Executive Vice Chairwoman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in March 2021.