Chongqing - The Sichuan-Chongqing Region of China and Mekong Countries Sub-National Cooperation Forum 2023 took place in Chongqing on November 23, an event aimed at enhancing collaboration between the Chinese region and the Mekong countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Representatives from the political and business sectors gathered in Chongqing to discuss economic and trade cooperation, connectivity, and other topics to drive high-quality development in local cooperation among Lancang-Mekong countries.

"This year marks the seventh year of Lancang-Mekong cooperation. I appreciate China's crucial role in fostering economic cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong region, which has become a model for cooperation in other regions," said Napintorn Srisunpang, Thailand's Deputy Minister of Commerce.

Napintorn Srisunpang is Thailand's Deputy Minister of Commerce. (Photo/Yue Xingchen)

Napintorn Srisunpang revealed that Thailand's current policy focuses on comprehensive regional connectivity, especially in promoting the construction and development of trade and investment economic zones in the Mekong region.

To boost regional trade, Thailand sees significant potential in transporting consumer goods via the Mekong River, emphasizing the need for practical and effective cooperation in water resource management.

"Chongqing is a region of immense potential and strategic significance in China. It serves as an international logistics hub for transporting goods, connecting Western China to Central Asia and Europe. Additionally, it is a crucial point in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, boasting shipping routes from Chongqing to Thailand and railway projects like the Chongqing-Laos Railway and China-Thailand Railway," said Srisunpang, acknowledging Chongqing's advantageous geographical position and its role in facilitating cooperation among several countries.

The Thai Ministry of Commerce is ready to support entrepreneurs leveraging these transportation routes. There is a keen interest in establishing partnerships with Chongqing and Sichuan Province, particularly in sharing information on train schedules, establishing cross-border transportation agreements, and facilitating the transport of goods to reduce logistics costs and shorten delivery times.

He disclosed ongoing improvements to Thailand's Lat Krabang port, which, upon completion, would directly connect to Chongqing, further enhancing trade between China, Thailand, and other Mekong member countries.

Moreover, the Thai Ministry of Commerce emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation with various Chinese provinces, focusing on fostering connections between Thai entrepreneurs and their counterparts in Chongqing and Sichuan Province.

Srisunpang expressed hope that entrepreneurs can establish new trade channels for continuous development by participating in bilateral trade exhibitions and delegation exchanges and promoting cross-border e-commerce.