The Complementary Protocol on the China-Vietnam Agreement on Fishery Cooperation (AFC) in Beibu Bay was signed Thursday in Beijing.

The protocol detailed the range and management of waters in transitional arrangement which was defined in the AFC.

The AFC was signed in December 2000 and is expected to take effect before June 30, 2004.

The two countries began negotiation on demarcation problems in Beibu Bay since 1993. To solve the fishery problems following the demarcation, the two parties began negotiation on fishery cooperation since 2000.

Experts noted that the signing of AFC will help minimize the influence of the two agreements on current fishing situations in the region, as it sets a common fishery zone, waters in transitional arrangement and buffer zone for small-sized fishing boats.

It will also help promote the protection of fishery resources in the region and make positive contribution to the development of a friendly relationship between the two countries.