Thailand and India to cut tariffs on 82 items

Thailand and India have agreed to cut tariffs on a range of 82 items under a plan touted as a first real step in the creation of a free trade area between the two countries, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.
Under the "Early Harvest Scheme", import duties on items including jewellery, car parts, fresh fruit and chemical products will gradually be phased out from September 1, 2004 to 2006, according to government spokesman Jakrapob Penkhair.
The deal came after Bangkok and Delhi agreed to remove two petrochemical products - polypropylene and polyethylene terethalate - from the scheme.