Cross-Strait businesses sign deals in Xiamen to expand cooperation

XIAMEN -- Enterprises from the Chinese mainland and businesses and trade associations from various parts of Taiwan signed cooperation agreements at a matchmaking and signing event held in the coastal city of Xiamen on Saturday, aiming to expand cross-Strait economic exchanges and trade.

Under the agreements, mainland companies will purchase a range of specialty agricultural and fishery products from Taiwan, including atemoya, pomelos and tea produced in counties and cities such as Taitung, Yunlin and Nantou.

The event was held to advance a package of 10 policies and measures unveiled by the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee in April to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. The measures are designed to address the practical needs of Taiwan compatriots and benefit young people, farmers, fishermen and small and medium-sized businesses.

Addressing the event, Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Taiwan's future hinges on the Chinese mainland's development and progress and on the motherland's reunification and strength.

He called on people on both sides of the Strait to uphold the broader interests of the Chinese nation, deepen integrated development across the Strait and work toward national reunification.

Chang Jung-kung, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, said cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation remain the best way to enhance mutual understanding and improve the well-being of people on both sides. He said the Kuomintang will continue to support the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and seek greater benefits for the public.

Taiwan business representatives attending the event said the 10 measures are a "shot in the arm" for revitalizing Taiwan's related industries and improving people's livelihoods. They said the agreements would help more Taiwan agricultural and fishery products enter the mainland market and bring tangible benefits to farmers and fishermen.

The representatives also expressed hope that the two sides would strengthen communication and dialogue in a spirit of goodwill, enabling more cooperation initiatives to deliver concrete results.