Premier Zhu Rongji pledged that China will abide by its commitments and take measures to foster a Sino-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) free trade zone to promote the economic development of ASEAN countries and prosperity in the region.

Zhu made the remarks while meeting with visiting Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Thai delegation includes Deputy-Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Commerce Minister Adisai Bodharamik and 30 other officials.

The guests arrived in Beijing Tuesday afternoon for a two-day working visit to China to shore up bilateral ties.

Zhu said the initiation of the process of setting up the free trade zone between China and ASEAN has great significance, noting that China hoped Thailand would continue to play a positive role in the construction of the zone.

Zhu signed the Framework Agreement on ASEAN-China Comprehensive Economic Co-operation with ASEAN leaders in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, last November.

The agreement is set to create a free trade area encompassing 1.7 billion people of growing purchasing power and to generate a regional GDP of about US$2 trillion a year -- the largest market of its kind in the world.

Highly praised were those active proposals initiated by Thaksin's government to expand co-operation in Asia, and Zhu also expressed thankfulness for efforts made by Thailand to promote the co-operation between China and ASEAN.

During Tuesday's meeting, Thaksin noted China plays an important role in promoting economic development in the region.

He reiterated Thailand's adherence to the one-China policy and pledged to support China in international affairs.

Wednesday, Thai delegates are scheduled to meet President Jiang Zemin, Vice-President Hu Jintao and Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao. Thaksin and his delegation are expected to return to Bangkok in the afternoon.

(China Daily February 19, 2003)