Feature: Chinese firm, partner create new model for bilateral cooperation

A Chinese enterprise and its Thai cooperation partner have successively established a large-scale industrial zone in Thailand, jointly creating a new model for prosperous and lucrative bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

The Rayong Industrial Zone, jointly established by Holley Group of China and Amata Group of Thailand, is the first of its kind in Thailand and has been serving as a new base for Chinese investors to develop operations in the Southeast Asian region.

"Internationalization is one of the three key strategies for Holley, and we consolidated our base in Thailand in 2004," President of the industrial zone Xu Genluo said in a briefing when a high-level Chinese delegation visited the zone on Wednesday.

The zone, covering an area of 12 square km, is now home to 66 Chinese enterprises, which are mainly providing vehicle parts, machinery, construction materials and electronic gadgets.

"We are not exporting outdated and surplus production capacities like some developed countries. All the enterprises based in our industrial zone are pollution-free and eco-friendly, and place high value on the idea of sustainable development," Xu said.

"Not a slice of arable land nearby is polluted and not a single river is contaminated. This is the very reason why we can work and live so harmoniously with the local residents and government," he said with much pride shining in his eyes.

This is very true. Walking into the wheel-making workshop in the zone, one is sure to see brand-new machines, strict working procedures and well-trained employees. Job opportunities in the zone are treasured by the 10,000 Thai employees as well.

"I cherish the job provided here and I just enjoy working here," one Thai employee in the workshop told Xinhua.

When asked about the advantages of the zone, Xu listed the best location, high-standard infrastructure, one-stop service, convenient transportation and others.

"I enjoy working with my Chinese partners and we are planning more for the future," Chairman of the Amata Foundation and co-sponsor of the industrial zone, Vikrom Kromadit, said before the briefing.

Indeed, there is no easy success. Apart from the unparalleled vision and hard work, Holley's staff in Thailand attributed their unusual success to the strong support from governments of both countries and the long-lasting friendship between the two nations.

"Any success for any business investing overseas lies solely in beneficial cooperation and mutual respect," Xu said, adding that he wants to copy his story in Thailand in other parts of the world.

"We are planning to establish an agricultural zone in Southeast Asia and we are launching a new industrial zone in northern Mexico and we also focus on Africa," he said.

Chinese enterprises should work together, compete together and win together, he added.

Under the scorching sun, Xu provided a guided tour of the zone for the delegation, saying that the Chinese enterprises have a rosy prospect in Thailand, which can be duplicated in other regions.

"Our story in Thailand is totally fresh and unprecedented. It is a new model for me and for our business," Xu said, looking beyond what has been done and appearing confident that the future will bring more. Endi