The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, has expressed confidence in the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at a seminar held by the One Belt One Road research center at Chandrakasem Rajabhat University. During his keynote address at a forum titled “Contemporary China with the World: An exchange of a new generation between Thailand and China”, Han discussed how Thailand’s 20-year strategic plan and its 4.0 policy have effectively synergized with the BRI in terms of infrastructure development and people-to-people connectivity.
According to the ambassador, the Chinese-Thai rail development project serves as an example of infrastructure cooperation between both nations, with the second phase of the project set to start construction in 2024 and be completed in 2028. Once completed, it is expected to help lower the cost of transporting goods between Thailand, Laos, and China.
The ambassador further highlighted the importance of bilateral trade in the success of the initiative. China had invested in 158 projects in Thailand in 2022, making it the kingdom’s largest foreign investor. He added that the Thai-Chinese industrial estate located in Rayong province serves as clear evidence of the close partnership between Thailand and China. The economic zone has managed to draw in more than 180 Chinese companies, resulting in the creation of over 45,000 employment opportunities.
The seminar, which aimed to facilitate greater understanding and cooperation between China and Thailand, was attended by academics, government officials, and representatives from various industries. The event highlighted the potential benefits of the BRI, such as increased trade and investment opportunities, enhanced connectivity, and improved infrastructure development.
The BRI, first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation among countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The initiative involves the construction of infrastructure projects, such as railways, highways, and ports, as well as the development of trade and investment ties between participating countries. Despite some criticisms and concerns, the BRI has been gaining momentum in recent years, with China continuing to promote the initiative and seeking greater participation from other countries.
 at a seminar held by the One Belt One Road research center at Chandrakasem Rajabhat University.){kind=link}