South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region more than
doubled its import of farm produce from ASEAN members in the first
eight months of 2006, largely due to cancellation of import duties
on products from the nations concerned.
Local customs sources said between January and August, the
region imported US$142 million worth of farm produce from ASEAN
members, a 110 percent year-on-year growth. 70 percent of the total
comprised border trade, up 83.7 percent from last year.
Private sector and foreign-funded companies contributed
significantly to the import growth. In the Jan.-Aug. period, the
private sector accounted for US$119 million of imports from ASEAN
members, up 120 percent, while foreign-funded companies bought
US$15.92 million, up 130 percent.
Most of the produce came from Vietnam, involving US$120 million
in import value, up 110 percent, the local customs sources
said.
(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2006)