China and
Thailand accelerated the establishment of the Sino-ASEAN free
trade zone yesterday by pushing forward the mutual exemption of
tariffs on 188 imported goods.
Vice-Premier Wu Yi and visiting Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid
Jatusripitak yesterday witnessed the signing of an agreement on
speeding up the elimination of tariffs between the two
countries.
As
a first step, the two countries will impose a zero tariff on
imported fruit and vegetables from October 1.
The tariff exemptions have been drawn up under the Framework
Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Co-operation between China and
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
The tariff exemption scheme with Thailand is also open to all other
ASEAN member states, said Wu.
Somkid expressed high appreciation of China's positive attitude on
tariff reduction and its efforts to promote trade in the
region.
Zero tariffs on vegetables and fruit between Thailand and China are
considered a starting point for free trade in agricultural products
between the two countries and a step forward in expediting
construction of the proposed China-ASEAN free trade zone.
Meanwhile, senior health officials of China and Thailand agreed
yesterday to enhance co-operation in areas such as SARS control,
food safety and application of traditional Chinese herbal
medicines.
Sudarat Keyuraphan, Thai Minister of Public Health, said during a
meeting with Chinese Vice-Health Minister Huang Jiefu that the
battle against SARS should involve regional and worldwide
collaboration, and China's progress should be regarded as a
contribution to the world.
The agriculture and tourism officials of the two countries
yesterday also discussed the ways to boost co-operation in their
specific fields.
(Xinhua News Agency June 18, 2003)