"Through this visit, the friendly cooperative ties between Thailand and China will be lifted to a new level, which is a new start," Somkid said.

China and Thailand signed on Wednesday an agreement under the framework agreement of the Sino-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) free trade zone, aiming to offer mutual tariff-free preferences on 188 agricultural products from Oct. 1, 2003.

"This is the first such cooperation that Thailand signed in Asia, which will not only speed up the bilateral trade process between Thailand and China, but encourage other ASEAN member nations to join such efforts in advance," said Somkid.

The advanced exemption of tariffs on imported fruits and vegetables between Thailand and China would also help promote an early finish of the Sino-ASEAN free trade zone which is scheduled to be built by 2010, Somkid added.

Somkid said the two counties planned to gradually exempt tariffs on other goods after consultation.

Both countries should make farm produce standards for the sake of better quality control, he noted. Meanwhile, he added, the two countries were expected to improve efficiency in customs, quarantine and logistics.

The health departments of both countries would work together to supervise and communicate on food safety standards, develop herbal medicine and enhance medical cooperation.

Citing Yunnan as a bond of Sino-Thai friendship and cooperation, Somkid said the strengthening of cooperation between Yunnan and Thailand was of vital significance for the promotion of the coordination between the Mekong River sub-region and the ASEAN.

"China and Thailand are like brothers and sisters, the frequent exchange of visits by the two countries' leaders have enhanced the friendship between the people of the two countries."

The close ties between Thailand and China would surely exert a positive impact on their neighboring countries, as well as the whole Mekong River sub-region and the ASEAN, said Deputy Prime Minister Somkid.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2003)