The latest data from the customs shows that for the first time ASEAN has become China's 4th trade partner. For the first two months of 2005, trade volume between the two sides posted 16.63 billion USD, a year-on-year rise of 23.6 percent.

China-ASEAN free trade zone is the first of its kind which has been initiated by China for its launch and negotiation for the first time. According to the agreement signed by the two sides, China and ASEAN will launch tariff cuts process as of July 1 this year. A zero tariff will be offered for the bilateral trade by 2010.

China-ASEAN trade made a historic record by topping 100 billion yuan.

(People's Daily Online)