Cross-Strait forum proposes Shanghai FTZ co-op

The Chinese mainland and Taiwan have adopted a proposal encouraging the island to cooperate with the newly launched Shanghai Free Trade Zone. It was one of 19 joint proposals adopted at the 9th Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Culture Forum.

The proposal was announced by Kuomintang Vice Chairman John Chiang. It calls for comprehensive cooperation between a pilot free trade area in Taiwan and the recently-opened FTZ in Shanghai.

The Shanghai FTZ, which began operating in late September, has been billed as a test site for deepening market-oriented reforms and boosting China's economic vitality.

Participants of the cross-Strait forum said the two sides should also explore ways to keep pace with the Asia-Pacific region's economic integration.

The forum is a key platform for communication between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. The two-day meeting concluded Sunday in Nanning, the capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.