The spokesperson said consumers in China and ASEAN countries would have more choice in services, while companies in related sectors would improve competitiveness by going global.

    In recent years, China and ASEAN countries have seen frequent exchanges in sectors such as education, transport, energy, culture and medical services. All the 10 ASEAN member countries have become approved destinations for Chinese tourists.

    The spokesperson said the China-ASEAN agreement on trade in services is the first of its kind under a FTA framework between China and other countries.

    China has initiated negotiations to build 11 free trade areas, involving 28 countries and regions.

    The China-ASEAN free trade area comprises Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It is scheduled to be completed by 2010. Upon completion, it will become the world's third largest free trade area after the European Union and the North American free trade area.