A storm will be followed by a rainbow. Our bilateral cooperation has expanded rapidly and produced fruitful results across the board. China has become Thailand's biggest source of tourists and export market. Thailand is China's largest source of natural rubber. Among Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is the first to conduct strategic cooperation with China, the first to implement zero-tariff arrangement on vegetables and fruits within the framework of China-ASEAN FTA, the first to complete a China Culture Center and the first to receive a pair of giant pandas for collaborative scientific research. In fact, the pandas living in Chiang Mai have even got a baby panda now named Lin Bing. Thailand is on track to becoming the country with the largest number of consulates general in China.

Since the turn of the century, China-Thailand relations have entered a fast-track of sound growth. A comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership has been established, and there are tremendous opportunities and room for the expansion of cooperation in various fields.

We share the same development goals. As two important developing countries in the region, both China and Thailand give top priority to development and both are working to achieve economic prosperity and national development and improve people's well-being. Amid complicated and profound changes in the international situation, Asia's status and role in the world are becoming increasingly prominent. For China and Thailand, nothing is more important than national development and revival. Our destinies are closely linked and our interests intertwined. To support and work with each other for common progress is a wish shared by both countries, which serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples.

We have vast opportunities for cooperation. Thailand is an important ASEAN member, ranking second, third and fourth among ASEAN countries in terms of economic size, total area and population. Thailand is implementing its 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan, advancing infrastructural development, and further improving people's living standards. China, for its part, is in the process of implementing its 12th Five-Year Plan towards the goal of doubling its 2010 GDP and per capita income by 2020 and completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. China's development will unleash even greater market demand. This represents important cooperation opportunities and huge cooperation space for Thailand and other ASEAN countries.

Thailand is a leading producer of rice and other agricultural products. China will support its companies in importing one million tons of Thai rice in the next five years as well as more specialty produce from Thailand. Rail cooperation will become a new highlight in our bilateral cooperation. China has gained rich experience and credentials in high-speed railway construction. We are ready to take an active part in high-speed rail development in Thailand, as this will facilitate the movement of goods and personnel in the region and enhance Thailand's role as a regional transport hub. China and Thailand will vigorously carry out cooperation in electricity, power grid, water conservancy and renewable energy. As our economic and personnel exchanges get closer, China will seriously consider the establishment of an RMB clearing bank in Thailand to create conditions for Chinese and Thai companies to increase cross-border RMB trade settlement.