The delegation next headed to Thailand, where they talked with representatives of the Phuket provincial government including Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada.

The two sides discussed how to promote management and training in the tourism industry, enhance mutual promotion, and arrange investment in Phuket's infrastructure construction.

In Bangkok, the Zhanjiang delegation visited a wholesale market of agricultural products. They also met with Thailand's Trade Development Commission for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME).

The two parties reached an agreement to build a Zhanjiang-ASEAN agriculture wholesale exhibition center. This project includes importing ASEAN countries' fruits and agricultural products to China and exporting Zhanjiang's fruits and vegetables to Thailand.

They also sought cooperation on ports, trade, culture, education, tourism and logistics.

Jack Tchen (right), chairman of the Economic and Trade Development Commission for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Thailand, and Zhanjiang Mayor Wang Zhongbing (left), unveil the Representative Commercial Office of Zhanjiang Municipal Government in ASEAN (Thailand) on Dec 7.

The Representative Commercial Office of the Zhanjiang Municipal Government in ASEAN (Thailand) was unveiled at SME on Dec 7. Its purpose is to promote cooperation in different fields between Zhanjiang and ASEAN countries.

The Zhanjiang Education Bureau and the Thai and Chinese Journalists' Association signed a memorandum of understanding for a student exchange program. The program will start in 2016 with an initial 50 students.

The delegation visited the Chia Tai Group in Thailand on Dec 8. The Group's 12 projects in Zhanjiang will be completed by July of next year.

From Dec 9 to 11, the Zhanjiang delegation carried out a number of economic and trade activities in Cambodia. The delegation first met with Nhik Bun Chhay, senior adviser of the Royal Government of Cambodia. Nhik Bun Chhay introduced Cambodia's key investment areas and projects and said that Cambodia would welcome Chinese businesses.

The delegation inspected the production base of Hengfu International Group, a Zhanjiang enterprise in Preah Vihear province on Dec 11. The company's agricultural industrial park for sugar manufacturing will be put into operation in March, 2016.

Mayor Wang also had talks with Oum Mara, the governor of Preah Vihear. Oum Mara said that Hengfu International Group is a model of foreign investment in Cambodia. The local government will continue to support the company's development.

Wang and the delegation also visited the Chinese embassy in Cambodia.

Edited by Peter Nordlinger