Cross-Straits agricultural forum opens 

Source: CCTV.com

10-17-2006 15:09

In Bo'ao in South China's island province of Hainan an inaugural Cross-Straits Agricultural Cooperation Forum has gotten underway. Among those attending the opening ceremony of the forum this morning (Tuesday) were members of the Politburo standing committee of the CPC Central Committee, Jia Qinglin and Vice Premier Wu Yi. Kuomintang Honorary Chairman, Lien Chan and New Party Chairman Yok Mu-Ming were also present. Over 400 scholars and agricultural organization leaders from both sides of the Straits also gathered for the forum in Bo'ao.

After a month of delay, the ground-breaking cross-Straits agricultural forum finally got underway in Hainan. The much-anticipated event was originally scheduled to be held last month in Taipei. But the lack of cooperation from the Taiwan authority... forced organizers to change the venue. This morning's opening ceremony was co-presided by the Director of Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, Chen Yunling, and the deputy board chairman of Kuomintang's Policy Foundation, Lin Fengzheng. Both of them hailed the forum as a new beginning for closer. Cross-Straits agricultural cooperation.

Later, Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lian Chan addressed the gathering. He noted that both the agricultural sector in Taiwan and the mainland are facing serious challenges in an increasingly globalizing world. And he said the challenge of increasing farmers' income is a COMMON PRIORITY for both sides.

Lien Chan, honorary Kuo Min Tang Chairman said, “It's urgent for us to find a solution to upgrade the competitiveness of agriculture on both sides of the Straits. To achieve the goal, the early realization of the three direct links, particularly Cross-Straits direct flights, is crucial. We should at least push for the establishment of charter flights as a regular system so that costs can be cut. And more time can be saved to widen the scope of cross-Straits trade.”

Jia Qinglin, member of the Politburo standing committee of the CPC Central Committee also addressed the opening ceremony. He said cross-Straits trade ties are getting closer and common interest of farmers on both sides are increasing. Further agricultural cooperation is an unstoppable trend. But he noted that many problems still exist.

Jia Qinglin,politburo stading committee member of CPC central committee said, “The cross-Straits agricultural cooperation is still at its initial stage. Many problems are unavoidable. Due to the hampering of the Taiwan authority, the two sides still cannot conduct full exchange on advanced and new agricultural technologies. In addition to this, trade channels are still not smooth. But after all, there is no denying that great potential exists for cross-Straits agricultural cooperation.”

Jia Qinglin also urged that both sides should do all they can to maintain the market order, and help foster a favorable trade environment. This, to ensure bright prospects for sustainable development.

The one-day event also brought together over 400 scholars from the two sides. They are scheduled to discuss key problems. Among them... the challenges for the agricultural sector on both sides of the Straits. This, as well as the optimal pattern for further cross-Straits agricultural cooperation.

Editor:Sun Luying