Capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province Chengdu will hold a Thai festival July 1-10 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sino-Thai diplomatic ties, according to a press conference in Chengdu Tuesday.

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, and Chengdu were chosen to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sino-Thai diplomatic ties, which falls on July 1.

Many Thai restaurants and fruit dealers will join the festival, and provide consumers with Thai cuisine, commodities, fruits as well as performances.

Thong Chai Chasawath, director of Thai Consulate in Chengdu, said Chengdu's Thai festival will promote Thailand's understanding of China's south and west, and facilitate closer contacts between Thailand and Chengdu.

According to him, China has become Thailand's fourth largest trade partner. The direct trade volume between Thailand and Chengdu reached almost US$100 million in 2004.

(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2005)