New tariff cuts under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) took effect on Sunday, with China's Ministry of Commerce saying they would facilitate regional economic integration in Asia.

"The amendment will provide member countries new economic impetus, prompt continued trade increases, facilitate economic integration and help further materialize the Belt and Road Initiative," the ministry said Sunday in an online statement.

Six APTA members, including China, India, the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka, have cut tariffs by 33 percent on average for products under 10,312 tariff codes. Some products from less-developed Bangladesh and Laos will enjoy special reductions of 86 percent.

The change followed a new arrangement reached during the fourth round of tariff concession negotiations among the six APTA members in January 2017.

In May 2001, China joined the then Bangkok Agreement, whose name was changed to APTA in November 2005. It aims to promote economic and trade cooperation among its members through the adoption of trade liberalization measures.