The ambassadors of two Southeast Asia countries capped an Ohio tour Thursday, saying they want to see the trade relationship be more of a two-way street.

        Ambassadors Chan Heng Chee of Singapore and Sakthip Krairiksh of Thailand, speaking to a joint meeting of the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce in downtown Cincinnati, said their countries need to be more than a crossroads for goods between the United States and other nations.

        “Singapore is a gateway to China,” Ms. Chen told the crowd of about 300. One of Singapore's primary industries is acting as middle man along the world's shipping routes.

        Matt Eiden, assistant director of Asia for the U.S. Commerce Department, described Singapore as “a crossroads between East and West.”

        “Their port is one of the biggest and busiest ports in the world,” he said.

        Mr. Krairiksh told the crowd that 30,000 to 40,000 Americans live in Thailand. He said the United States is second in investments in his country behind Japan.

        “We are your oldest friend in Southeast Asia,” Mr. Krairiksh said, citing a treaty from 1831 as the first bond the two countries formed. The ambassador said he enjoys the commerce between his country and Cincinnati, citing purchases from GE Aircraft Engines, which is based in Evendale.

        But he told the crowd he sees room for improvement: “We would like to import more food into this country.”

        The ambassadors had a busy two days in Cincinnati. Wednesday, they toured the GE Aircraft Engines plant in Evendale and had dinner with business leaders later. Thursday, they were given the keys to the city by Mayor Charlie Luken and spoke at the Rotary-Chamber luncheon, then flew back to their embassies in Washington. They also spent a few days in Cleveland.

        Both ambassadors' remarks at the luncheon focused on the positives of their countries and a desire to foster a stronger relationship with Cincinnati.

        Singapore is currently the sixth-largest market for exports from Cincinnati, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Between 1993 and 1999, the city's export totals to Singapore have increased every year, going up more than 200 percent in that time.

        The Commerce Department said the average annual export from Cincinnati to Singapore is about $180 million.

        Thailand is the the world's third-largest producer of tin and specializes in producing electronics. The ambassador said the country recently privatized most of its infrastructure, such as electricity.

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