Thai-China trains barter deal lukewarn
A Thai proposal to partially pay China with farm produce for infrastruture contracts, including the high speed train, does not face an easy passage, Transport Minister Chadchart Suttipunt admitted on Thursday.
China's Premier Li Keqiang, left, greets to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the bilateral relationship during the 16th Asean-China Summit at the International Convention Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan on Wednesday. The two will meet again when Mr Li begins his three-day visit to Thailand on Friday. (EPA photo)
The minister showed no confidence the Thai proposal would be accepted, saying details still needed to be thrashed out. He also stressed that bidding for the high-speed train project will be open for all interested parties.
The cabinet approved a number of memorandums of understanding (MoU) with China on Tuesday, one of them involving barter trade, Thai agricultural products for Chinese investment in infrastructure projects in Thailand. The products include rice and rubber, Mr Chadchart said.
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