Guangdong Province, an economic locomotive in south China, has been playing an increasingly important role in trade between China and ASEAN member countries since the construction of the China-ASEAN free trade zone started in July.

Latest customs statistics show ports in Guangdong imported in August US$26.33 million worth of goods from ASEAN member countries, involving tax holidays valued at US$19.36 million, or 41.72 percent and 44.74 percent, respectively, of China's total.

Arrivals enjoying tariff cuts mainly came from Thailand, which were valued at US$10.17 million, or 38.62 percent of the total tax-cut-backed imports by the province from ASEAN. The country was followed by Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam,the local customs house said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 4, 2005)