Mr. Sawanit Kongsiri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Chengdu, China, during 11 – 13 April 2007 to mark the opening ceremony of the 3rd Thai Festival in Chengdu which was organized between 11 – 17 April 2007 at Hongxing Rd. (the most popular walking-street in Chengdu city).

This year, the Thai Festival was organized with the cooperation between the Royal Thai Consulate General in Chengdu and the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand, with the supports from the Department of Export Promotion, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Chengdu Municipal Committee.  The Thai Good Food Co. Ltd. and Vachamon Food Co. Ltd. were also the main coordinators among Thai entrepreneurs.

The Festival was the biggest Thai event ever held in Chengdu.  There were 8 Thai entrepreneurs from different fields participating in this festival such as fruit stores and food and spa.  Moreover, there were cultural performances including Thai cultural dance.  The Thai Festival received very warm welcome from Chendu people.

During the visit, Mr. Sawanit met with Mr. Wang Huaichen, Deputy Governor of Sichuan Province (responsible for tourism).  Both sides agreed to strengthen further cooperation in education, youth exchange program, business and investment promotion, and particularly tourism since both Thailand and Sichuan are famous for tourism. Furthermore, they agreed to sign the MOU on the establishment of sister city between Supanburee Province and Sichuan Province at their earliest convenience.

On this occasion, Mr. Sawanit met with Mr. Li Chuncheng, Secretary General of Chengdu Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, who plays an important role in promoting ties between Thailand – Sichuan – Chengdu.  They both perceived that Thailand-Chengdu relations have a very strong foundation and with high potential to be further developed.  Mr. Sawanit also visited the animal food factory of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Limited, constructed in December 2006 as the biggest animal food factory in China.

Mr. Sawanit’s visit to China this time was very successful and helped strengthen ties with the Chinese local leaders in accordance with Thailand’ s strategy in cultivation of relations with various provinces of China.  During the visit, the Chinese local leaders had expressed their impression towards Thailand and stated that they are ready to enhance further cooperation with Thailand in every field.  Hence, the visit of Deputy Foreign Minister had successfully strengthened a concrete cooperation between Thailand and China in all aspects: political, economic, social and tourism.