Cross-Straits Forum opens

Source: CCTV.com

04-14-2006 16:03

A joint economic forum held by the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang got underway this morning. The honorary chairman of the KMT, Lien Chan, and the chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Jia Qinglin, both addressed the opening ceremony. They called for peace, and the common development of trade and economic links across the Taiwan Straits.

Lien Chan is leading the KMT delegation to the forum.

Addressing the opening ceremony, he reiterated his stance on cross-Straits relations - that is to seek peace and common prosperity for both sides.

Facing with new challenges brought by globalization, Lien said that Taiwan and the mainland should work together taking advantage of their respective competitiveness and achieving common economic success.

Lien said: "Cross-straits trade relations are very close - and more than being close... There are many synergies. One plus one is more than two. The statistics show that if Taiwan ignores the opportunities presented by cross-straits cooperation - then Taiwan is nothing."

The chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Jia Qinglin, raised five proposals to enhance mutually beneficial cross-Straits relations.

He called for the Taiwan authorities to abolish obstacles encumbering extensive trade and economic exchanges across the Straits, including implementing direct, two-way links, as well as lifting the ban on mainland enterprises to invest in Taiwan.

Jia said: "There are still many man-made obstacles and much political intervention... To benefit our people, we should remove the interference and obstacles as soon as possible... We aim to facilitate cross-straits transportation, encourage cross-straits economic cooperation, and protect the interests of transportation businesses."

The two-day forum is being jointly held by the Communist Party of China and the K-M-T. Issues of common concern, such as expanding exchanges on agriculture, tourism and finance sectors, are high on the agenda.

"Cross-Straits trade and economic ties have become ever stronger over the past two decades. And as globalization brings new challenges, the forum looks set to help to boost such links by seeking new dimensions of cooperation.

Editor:Wang Ping