China said Wednesday that boosting regional trade and investment was a crucial task for countries in east Asia.

Premier Wen Jiabao also called on countries in east Asia to "deepen financial cooperation and infrastructure construction to increase the ability to confront economic risks."

During talks with his Thai counterpart, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Wen said China would always support the leading role the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) played in east Asia.

On the Sino-Thai relationship, Wen said it had met the test, and substantial cooperation had developed, since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 34 years ago.

"China will work with Thailand to cement the traditional friendship and strategic cooperation to push forward bilateral ties," Wen said.


Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (1st L) holds a welcoming ceremony for Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (2nd L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 24, 2009. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
He proposed that the two sides maintain coordination on bilateral relations and major international issues, implement the agreement on economic and trade cooperation, and take effective measures to maintain steady trade development.

China encouraged its entrepreneurs to invest in Thailand, Wen said, adding that both countries should ensure a proposed highway from Kunming, China to Bangkok be completed at an early date and promote trade and logistics in the Mekong River area.

Abhisit said Thailand and China had enjoyed a long-term friendship and the relationship and cooperation in all areas had improved.

He noted that amid the financial crisis, Thailand would expand trade, agricultural, tourism and education cooperation with China.

He said Thailand adhered to the one-China principle and would like to push forward cooperation between China and ASEAN.

Before the talks, Wen held a ceremony to welcome Abhisit, who arrived in Beijing Wednesday for a four-day tour.

Source:Xinhua