 Documents survive today chronicling a number of missions to Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam at the time, to resolve trade issues.Recognizing the importance of trade to Ryūkyū's continued prosperity, Shō Hashi promoted it strongly, and even ordered a bell cast and installed at Shuri Castle, upon which was inscribed "Ships are means of communication with all nations; the country is full of rare products and precious treasures.