Thailand will pay close attention to the two sessions as this year's meetings are especially timely and important, said Karntimon Ruksakiati, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Royal Thai Embassy in China.

Karntimon Ruksakiati, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Royal Thai Embassy in China.

The annual two sessions of the NPC, the top legislative body, and the CPPCC, the top advisory body, will be held in March, and as a longstanding friend and comprehensive strategic partner of China, Thailand conveys its best wishes for the upcoming event, she said.

Ruksakiati told China Daily that this year's two sessions are important because they will be held against the backdrop of ongoing reforms in China, which continue to make substantial progress, while some approach key junctures, such as economic reforms.

Ruksakiati said she will follow the discussions of all the key topics, but one of particular interest to Thailand is economic development.

"The growing discourse of trade protectionism and anti-globalization in some parts of the world, amid sluggish global economic growth, is a common concern for many developing countries, including Thailand," she said.

"Thailand and China are key trade and investment partners at the bilateral level and beyond. Our key economic development policies are also complementary to each other, especially the One Belt, One Road Initiative and Thailand 4.0," she said. "Therefore, we will certainly study specific economic initiatives from this year’s meetings as we look to further enhance our economic cooperation."

She said she is confident that under the able guidance of the Chinese leadership, this year's two sessions will continue to achieve tangible outcomes, and play a key role in charting the future direction for development. China, she added, will continue its proactive and responsible role in promoting regional and international cooperation for common development, peace and stability.