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)