Mainland, Taiwan on track for greater co-op

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-22-2008 13:41

Relations across the Taiwan Strait are on track for peaceful development. A senior Communist Party of China official has urged a gathering of officials, business leaders, and scholars to make concerted efforts to expand exchanges and cooperation.

The weekend economic, trade and cultural forum in the financial hub of Shanghai focused on mutual support to weather the worsening global financial crisis. Many Taiwan companies operating in the mainland are already feeling the pinch since they are dependent on customers in Europe and the United States. The mainland says it has been feeling the same pain as its Taiwan compatriots... and will offer a total of 130 billion yuan or 19 billion US dollars in financing for the companies.

Wang Yi, director of Taiwan Work Ofiice, CPPCC, said, "The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the Bank of China will provide 50 billion yuan each for Taiwan companies on the mainland, including small and medium sized companies. Meanwhile, China Development Bank will provide 30 billion yuan, in addition to another 30 billion yuan pledged previously."

The mainland will also buy 2 billion dollars in flat screen monitors from Taiwan companies. It will also encourage mainland-based companies to invest in the island. Other beneficiary measures extend across various areas, including the agriculture and legal sectors.

Politburo Standing Committee member of the CPC Central Committee and top political advisor Jia Qinglin praised the results of the forum. He said they represent the hope of people from both sides of the Strait.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of CPPCC National Committee, said, "The nine-point suggestions for the two sides produced at this forum will exert a positive influence on the decision-making of relevant authorities. And the mainland's 10 beneficiary measures demonstrate our sincerity to our Taiwan compatriots."

Kuomintang Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung suggested that the forum initiated by both his party and the Communist Party of China should be held at least once a year. And also be more inclusive to seek greater common ground for peace and development.

Kuomintang Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung said, "We are witnessing more and more trust and good will between the two sides. With the direct air and sea links,and mail services, exchange between people from both sides of the Strait is certain to become more frequent. It is a coming trend that misunderstanding will decrease and trust will increase."

The two sides now have direct daily passenger flights, as well as new direct shipping routes and postal services after 6 decades. A pair of giant pandas will also be on the way to their new home in Taiwan on Tuesday. They were designated to be given to the island as a symbolic gift three years ago.

Editor:Zhang Ning