Visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said here Sunday China is ready to work together with Thailand to further economic and trade cooperation in the new century.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Chinese community in Thailand, Zhu said at present there is a good momentum for the economic cooperation and trade between China and Thailand, citing that the two-way trade volume reached 6.6 billion US dollars last year while the economic and technological cooperation in other areas is progressing smoothly.

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to the economic and trade cooperation with Thailand. In the new century, China is ready to work together with Thailand to further such cooperation," Zhu said.

For this purpose, he said, the two countries should not only consolidate their traditional commodity trade, but also vigorously increase their trade in goods with high added values such as mechanical and electrical products.

China's electromechanical equipment, especially agricultural machinery and farming tools, are just what Thailand needs, said the Chinese premier, adding that China will continue to import rice, rubber and other commodities from Thailand.

Zhu also called for strengthening cooperation in the fields of agriculture, science and technology, information, tourism and human resources.

The Chinese premier said China and Thailand have taken an active part in ASEAN+3 cooperation in East Asia.

China, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar will soon hold a ceremony marking the opening to navigation of Lancang-Mekong River, Zhu said.

The planning and preparation for Kunming-Bangkok highway, a major international thoroughfare linking China and the ASEAN countries, are also well underway, said the Chinese premier.

Since 1998, Zhu said, China has still managed to import more rice from Thailand although it has had a relative oversupply of grain on domestic market.

The economic cooperation and trade between China and Thailand are not only reciprocal and mutually beneficial, but also add to the profound friendship between the two countries, said Premier Zhu.

Introducing China's strategy of developing its western region, Zhu said, the Chinese government hopes that the Thai business community will invest and start business in China.

(Xinhua 05/20/2001)