Cross-strait economic and trade relations, a focal point for Taiwan MAC

Written by changthai11 on Sunday, October 12th, 2008

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) - Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairwoman Lai Shin-yuan (???) yesterday stated that the MAC is now actively working on the planning of the new phase of cross-strait issues, including enhancing cross-strait banking cooperation, drawing a cross-strait memorandum of understanding (MOU), adopting a clearing mechanism in New Taiwan dollar-Chinese yuan exchange, safeguarding China-based Taiwanese businessmen’s rights and privileges, mediating cross-strait trade and economic disputes, constructing cross-strait intellectual property rights guidance, cross-strait academic and educational exchange programs, and other cross-strait matters.

In a tea party held by Hong Kong- and Macau-based Taiwanese compatriots, who arrived in Taiwan yesterday for tomorrow’s Double Ten National Day celebrations, Lai

gave a speech saying that in order to further actualize a systematic cross-strait negotiation mechanism to meet the needs of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the Taiwanese government is now drawing up and implementing an effective cross-strait program to coincide with the arrival of Chen Yunlin (???), chairman of China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, this month or in the beginning of November.

Lai pointed out that it is important to get cross-strait negotiations back on track in a systematic manner, and this will play an crucial role in promoting cross-strait development. She said that the government takes the national interest as its first consideration; therefore, based on the principle of preserving national dignity and bringing benefits to Taiwanese people, creating a long-term cross-strait interaction framework will help Taiwan gain a foothold in the international community.

by Taiwan News, Website Editorial Staff