Vice-Premier Wu Yi and visiting Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak Wednesday 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 Cooperation 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.

Wu stressed that SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) has been effective controlled in China and the health of investors in China have been guaranteed.

Somkid expressed high appreciation of China's positive attitude on tariffs 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.

China and ASEAN signed the Framework Agreement on ASEAN-China Comprehensive Economic Cooperation at the ASEAN-China Summit last November in Cambodia.

Under the Framework Agreement, the ASEAN China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) will be established to cover the liberalization of trade in goods, services and investment.

Statistics show trade between China and ASEAN reached a high of US$54.8 billion last year, 31.8 percent up on 2001.

Both sides also see fast progress in cooperation in health fields.

Senior health officials of China and Thailand agreed Wednesday to enhance cooperation 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 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 Wednesday also discussed the ways to boost cooperation in their specific fields.

(China Daily June 19, 2003)