Thai Chinese help promote China-Thailand ties: Premier

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a welcome banquet held by overseas Chinese in the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 12, 2013. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang hailed here Saturday the Thai Chinese community's contribution to the development of the Southeast Asian nation and the China-Thailand cooperation of mutual benefit.

Joining more than 1,300 representatives of the Thai Chinese community, Li, who is on an official visit to Thailand, attended a welcome luncheon at the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok.

Home to some 10 million Thai Chinese, Thailand is a major dwelling place for overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia.

Li said what the Thai Chinese have achieved over the years through hard work made an important part of Thailand's economy, noting that many of them have become leaders of their respective industries.

He believed that these accomplishments have bolstered not only the development of Thailand, but also the China-Thailand cooperation of mutual benefit and win-win results.

The two countries have nailed down a series of cooperation agreements during the visit, which will bring more opportunities to local Chinese businesses, said Li.

He also urged local Chinese to help promote bilateral friendly cooperation between the two countries, which has broad prospects.

Li arrived in Thailand on Friday, the second leg of his maiden trip to Southeast Asia since he took office in March.

The Chinese premier attended a series of meetings with East Asian leaders in Brunei and paid a visit to the country. He will also travel to Vietnam.