China and Thailand will offer mutual tariff-free treatment on 188 agricultural products, including 108 edible vegetables, 80 edible fruits and nuts from Oct. 1, 2003, according to a Sino-Thai agreement signed here Wednesday.

Under the agreement signed by Chinese Minister of Commerce (MOC) Lu Fuyuan and Thai Minister of Commerce Adisai Bhotharamik, the two countries will eliminate tariffs on imported fruits and vegetables in advance of the agenda for the exemption of tariffs under the framework agreement of the Sino-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) free trade zone.

Figures from Chinese Customs show that China exported 8.47 million US dollars worth of vegetables and 13.72 million US dollars worth of fruits to Thailand in 2002, accounting for 0.29 percent and 0.46 percent respectively of China's total exports to Thailand.

Chinese imports of vegetables and fruits from Thailand hit 114 million US dollars and 70.55 million US dollars respectively in 2002, or 2.04 percent and 1.26 percent of total imports from Thailand.

An official with the Chinese MOC said that the mutual exemption of tariff on agricultural products aimed to speed up construction of the Sino-ASEAN free trade zone.

The tariff-free arrangement is open to all ASEAN members and Sino-ASEAN trade could be further developed with the implementation of the agreement and the participation of more ASEAN members.