The upcoming 12th annual Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade, which will open on May 18, has attracted the largest number ever of Taiwan companies, thanks to the warming of cross-Straits relations and a free trade pact that is under negotiation, said Chen Weimin, deputy mayor of Fuzhou city, capital of the Southeast Fujian province.

Until now, 427 Taiwan companies have booked 1,000 booths at the fair, which will be held in Fuzhou, and many of these companies are specialized in advanced technology.

Chen also said the mainland may further ease the import restriction over Taiwan agricultural products, and more than six mainland enterprises may declare their plans to invest in Taiwan during the fair.

China Daily