The China (Guangxi)-Thailand Joint Working Group Meeting is held online on March 18. [Photo by Chen Guanyan/China News Service]

The China (Guangxi)-Thailand Joint Working Group Meeting was held online on March 18, gathering officials from the two areas to discuss pressing issues regarding mutual cooperation.

Officials in Thailand expressed the hope that international flights between Thailand and Guangxi would resume operations as soon as possible, citing excellent COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control measures as a basis for facilitating business and tourism, as well as promoting economic recovery in the post-pandemic era. 

They also proposed that more Guangxi firms should participate in areas such as automotive and component manufacturing, medical products, and information and communication technology infrastructure in west Thailand. Companies in Guangxi are also encouraged to participate in local renewable energy projects in order to enhance low-carbon economic growth in the country.

Shi Donglong, director of the foreign affairs office of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, agreed with Thai officials and said that Guangxi will carry out more strategic matchmakings with Thailand and deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, education, science and technology. 

Trade volume between Guangxi and Thailand surged by 31.5 percent to over 50 billion yuan ($7.86 billion) in 2021 against impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.