Second round of ECFA talks opens in Taipei

The second round of cross-strait ECFA talks has opened Wednesday at a Taiwan resort in Taoyuan. The main focus are on the merchandise and service sectors. Nearly 50 people from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are participating in the talks.

The second round of talks cross-strait ECFA talks has opened  Wednesday at a Taiwan resort in Taoyuan. The main focus are on the  merchandise and service sectors. Nearly 50 people from the Chinese  mainland and Taiwan are participating in the talks.

Highlights for the round 2 talks include the service and manufacturing sectors, and the eventual text of the ECFA pact. But the highly anticipated discussions for financial service and panel are not included in the talk this time.

Tang Wei, Director General Dept of Taiwan, HK & Macao Affairs, MOFCOM, said, "During our talks, we will fully consider the benefits of Taiwan compatriots, specially the benefits of general public and SMEs."

Taiwan is still targeting 500 items be to subject to immediate tariff reductions or exemptions. The petrochemical, machinery, mid-and upper-stream textile, auto parts sectors are considered among the top priorities.

Officials from both sides voiced their support for an agreement to be reached. They hope the ECFA could be signed at 5th meeting of the heads of their cross-strait associations in May this year.

Taiwan officials say, they placed the venue of ECFA talks in Taoyuan instead of Taipei City mainly because of security concerns. The agenda for this round of talks is classified. Therefore, no formal press briefs will be held.