China to share satellite system with Thailand(2)

In September, during the 10th China-ASEAN Expo in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Premier Li Keqiang signed a series of agreements with heads of ASEAN countries, which included satellite remote sensing cooperation.

Also at the expo, Science and Technology Minister Wan Gang signed a framework agreement for satellite applications with Indonesia's Ministry of Science and Technology.

Zhao Gang, deputy director of the International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of New and Renewable Energy, said President Xi Jinping's visit to Indonesia in early October also promoted steady development of friendly cooperative relations.

ASEAN is the first step for Beidou to develop markets in the Asian-Pacific region, he said.

"Most of Beidou's satellites are near the equator, which contributes to relatively good geographical conditions for ASEAN to receive strong signals," Ran Chengqi, spokesman for the China Satellite Navigation Office, told reporters earlier.

Jin Xiaoming at the Ministry of Science and Technology said Beidou provides services in agriculture, atmospheric analysis, education, medical services and mineral exploration.

"Beidou has gradually formed a complete service system, and we are now initiating the civil communication service in ASEAN," he said.

The Ministry of Science and Technology is helping Chinese navigation companies carry out a market survey in Brunei, and signed a memorandum to promote navigation services in Laos.

The ministry also started personnel training in ASEAN. The Indonesian government allocates special funds to the cooperation project, according to Jin.

"I'm optimistic about Beidou's long-term prospects," Jin said. "ASEAN members do have a strong need for satellite remote sensing, and the cooperation has just begun."

Grace Lyu, chairwoman of Beidou Communication, a China-US venture engaged in providing navigation services to ASEAN countries, views the market as very promising.

The company is trying to lower the cost of the system, which will help the system to fully enter the international market.

"In 2020, there will be more than 100 satellites in the sky, of which 35 belong to China. In the future of satellite navigation, Beidou will play a very important role," she said.