On behalf of the Royal Thai Government, I would like to extend my best wishes and congratulations to the Government of the People's Republic of China on the occasion of the 2nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning. I am confident that the Expo will be very successful and am convinced that it will yield positive outcomes in promoting collaboration and enhancing trade-investment schemes between China and ASEAN.

The China-ASEAN Expo is a testament to Asia's unwavering determination and efforts to emerge as the 21st Century's primary economic center. It is therefore highly appropriate for this important exhibition to be held in the city of Nanning, which is the ultimate realization of the ideal Asian city-impeccably modern and immaculately hygienic, with a definite sense of identity.

It is within the heart of this magnificent metropolis that ASEAN nations are able to translucently exhibit the fruits of their labors. However, I would like to emphasize the point that the China-ASEAN Expo is not an arena in which the various attendants are to compete against one another. For, above all else, the purpose of the China-ASEAN Expo is to provide a stage whereupon a demonstration of Asian solidarity and cooperation may be displayed in order to illustrate to the world Southeast Asia's abundant potential for success. This entails the entire region, and not just a few individual states.

Southeast Asia's rise to economic eminence is imminent. There is no doubt that there are obstacles and road blocks lying on our path towards prosperity. There are considerable challenges to be met. There are severe dilemmas to be faced. But where there are problems, there are solutions. And one such solution lies in promoting cooperation, encouraging integration, and boosting overall performance through the medium that is the China-ASEAN Expo. It is up to us all that this rare opportunity is utilized to the hilt.

Should the diplomatic and trade relationships between China and Southeast Asia be irrevocably strengthened, this shall be due in no small part to the China-ASEAN Expo. My heartfelt congratulations and appreciation go to the people's republic of China for the gracious invitation for the Kingdom of Thailand to partake in the 2nd China-ASEAN Expo, and for the hosting of this outstanding event.

 

(Thaksin Shinawatra)

Prime Minister of Thailand