MACAO -- A batch of Thailand fruits were sent to Chinese mainland through Macao's new transit mechanism Wednesday, the special administrative region's customs said, adding that the practice will boost the trade between Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China.

Some 49 boxes of Thailand mangosteen were licensed by Macao customs before they were sent to Hengqin, a district of Macao's neighboring city Zhuhai in South China's Guangdong province. Those fruits are on the list of China and ASEAN's free trade agreement and haven't been processed in Macao.

According to customs regulations of Chinese mainland, Macao can issue certificates to goods imported from ASEAN countries and other countries and regions with free trade agreement with China, and then directly transit to Chinese mainland to enjoy preferential tax policy.

Macao customs official Zheng Jiancong said it only took one day to finish the paper work and it was free of charge, which would significantly cut the cost and save the time for goods transited in Macao to Chinese mainland.