Mainland willing to give more to Taiwan in economic pact
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The Chinese mainland is willing to "give more benefits" to Taiwan in the cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), said an official with the mainland-based Association for Economy and Trade Across Taiwan Strait.
"As long as it is good for economic development of both sides of the Strait, we're willing to give more benefits to the island," Jiang Zengwei, honorary president of the association said Friday during a visit to the island.
"The benefits giving can be realized through an early harvest program and tariff reductions," Jiang said.
In response to media reports that the trip was related to ECFA talks, Jiang said the goal of his trip was to investigate Taiwan's environment for commerce and trade and to know more about the island's society.
The ECFA aims at institutionalizing economic cooperation across the Taiwan Strait.
The pact will cover major economic activities across the Taiwan Strait, including market access for commodity and services trade; rules of origin; an early harvest program; trade remedies; dispute settlement; investment; and economic cooperation.
The pact will be open to amendment according to circumstances, Jiang said, adding that the mainland will fully consider Taiwan's concerns during negotiations.
Jiang said the pact will bring new business opportunities for cross-Strait retail trade and boost trade between the two sides with lower prices and more convenient channels.
The Chinese mainland and Taiwan are working towards an early signing of the agreement, but the negotiations are complex and more time will be needed to establish mutual understanding, Jiang added.
