Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the city’s government will provide its full support for enhanced economic cooperation between China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The GBA comprises Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macao, while the EEC encompasses Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao provinces.

Chadchart made the comment at the China (Guangdong)-Thailand Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference on Wednesday at the Shangri-La Bangkok hotel.

He praised the deep relationship between Guangdong province and Thailand, noting that immigrants from the province contributed to the social and economic development of Thailand after immigrating to the central region of the country.

China is Thailand’s top trade partner, accounting for 24.5% of the kingdom’s international trade, Chadchart added.

The EEC is also a major exporter of fruit to China, with 60% of Thailand’s total fruit exports this year being transported to Guangzhou province from the EEC.

Chadchart said that economic cooperation between the GBA and EEC is crucial for sustainable growth in both China and Thailand.

Both countries need to promote small, medium and large-scale investment, particularly in e-commerce, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, science and technology, innovation, finance, and capital markets, he said.

“The GBA-EEC initiative will be a win-win cooperation and is in line with China’s policy of generating mutual benefits, respect and peaceful development with trade partners,” Chadchart said. “I am confident that the cooperation will bring great benefits to both Thailand and China.”

Bangkok is also ready to promote mutual economic development at the city level with major cities in China, he said, adding that the Thai capital has established sister-city relationships with 11 cities in China, three of which – Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chaozhou – are in Guangdong.

“These close relationships with Chinese cities have created cooperation among agencies, businesses, and the public,” Chadchart said.

“Bangkok welcomes all Chinese investors and businesspeople who wish to conduct business in the capital. We promise to facilitate all investors and visitors to the best of our ability to ensure that you have a pleasant time with us. After all, Thais and Chinese are like siblings,” he said.

Entrepreneurs from Guangdong and Thailand signed business agreements to promote economic partnership between the GBA and EEC at the conference.