Cross-straits Economic & Trade forum closes

Source: CCTV.com | 04-15-2006 16:43

Participants to the Cross-Straits Economic and Trade Forum are hailing the event as a major success. Senior officials from the mainland and Taiwan expressed satisfaction shortly after it drew to a close in this after noon.

The Deputy Director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee summarized the two-day event at the closing ceremony. Li Bingcai contributed the success of the forum to three major factors. First, he said the hope of people on both sides of the straits for a peaceful and stable environment is the foundation and motive for success. Second, he noted the extensive experience of the companies on both sides of the Straits. And finally, he said mutual understanding was also important.

He then put forward five joint proposals on further enhancing exchanges between the two sides. The proposals advocate the elimination of trade barriers and call for direct flights across the Straits.

The Director of the Work Office Chen Yunlin announced a new package of policies to promote economic and trade relations.

The package comprises three sets of policies directly stipulated by the State Council and 13 others formulated by relevant central government departments.

The State Council will add four kinds of fruit to the list of 18 the mainland currently imports from Taiwan; adopt a zero-tax policy on imports of 11 kinds of vegetables produced by Taiwan farmers; and allow more imports of Taiwan's aquatic products. The zero-tax move will allow Taiwan fishermen to enjoy equal access to the mainland market.

Wu Poh-Hsiung, the Vice-Chairman of the KMT, also delivered a speech at the ceremony. He called on both sides to establish a mechanism for communication based on the 1992 Consensus. He also urged the Taiwan authority to accept the benefits achieved by the KMT.

Editor:Chen Zhuo