Source: CCTV.com

11-27-2008 11:36

The State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office says the mainland plans to cooperate more over trade issues with Taiwan to help the island better manage fallout from the global downturn.

Economic and trade cooperation across the Taiwan Straits was at the forefront of a press conference held by the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing.

In a visit to Taiwan earlier this month, the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits signed agreements on direct shipping, air transport and postal services with the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation.

The documents go into effect 40 days after the signing date, and officials on both sides of the Straits are busy preparing for the new links.

Fan Liqing, Spokeswoman, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said, "People on both sides of the Straits are hoping to improve shipping, flight and postal services after the agreements become effective. With that, we'll increase communication and cooperation, and jointly fight the current financial crisis. Those are what we are glad to see. "

Speaking of ways to deal with the current financial situation, the Taiwan Affairs Office said it will take measures to support Taiwan businesses on the mainland. The measures include opening more areas to accept Taiwan investment and allowing Taiwan enterprises to participate in the mainland's infrastructure and major projects construction.

The Taiwan Affairs Office spokeswoman also talked about sending a pair of pandas to the island. She said the details have not been finalized, but the two sides were working together to ensure the pandas' arrival next month.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan