China's ministries of commerce and agriculture Thursday signed an agreement on collaboration aiming to speed the distribution of the nation's farm produce in the coming five years.

According to the agreement, the two departments will provide more support in the construction of large-sized agricultural wholesale markets located between major production bases and transportation hubs, and promote business cooperation between large chain enterprises and agriculture production bases.

The two departments also agreed to step up efforts in standardizing farm produce distribution, thus improving the quality of agricultural products.

Efforts will also be made to perfect the quality monitoring systems for vegetables, fruits, and meat, to help ensure food safety, according to the agreement.

The agreement said the collaboration will be part of the government's efforts to promote rural area development and better coordinate urban and rural development.

(Xinhua News Agency October 22, 2010)