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Direct cross-strait links aimed at boosting private sector: premier

ROC Central News Agency

Taipei, Dec. 18, (CNA) The government's policy of establishing direct air, shipping and postal links between Taiwan and China is aimed at benefiting the local private sector, Premier Liu Chao-shuan said during an Executive Yuan meeting Thursday.

“I hope that all businesses in the private sector will reap the advantages and benefits of the direct links between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, " said Liu. "I also hope that all government agencies will be able to meet the needs of the people and answer their questions on this issue."

Noting that the establishment of direct air transportation, shipping links and postal exchanges between Taiwan and China was implemented on Dec. 15, Liu said this was achieved by the current administration under the principle of doing what is best for the people.

"In the past, direct links were discussed but were not realized," said Liu, adding that President Ma Ying-jeou has fulfilled his election promise on this issue.

Given the significantly lower costs and shorter time to transport cargo and passengers now between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's economy is expected to get a shot in the arm from the new links, the premier said.

"The government should grasp this opportunity to do what is best for the private sector so that businessmen and ordinary citizens would be able to take advantage of the new openings," he suggested.

The private sector estimates that the establishment of two-way direct cross-strait transport links would save Taiwan up to US$90 million per year in travel and shipping costs.

Because the investment environment in mainland China has undergone drastic changes in recent years, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and labor and tax laws, operation costs for Taiwan businessmen in China have increased, according to Liu.

“Therefore, we would also like to use the direct cross-strait transportation and shipping links to lure Taiwan businessmen in the China to invest at home," he said.

With this in mind, the premier said, he has directed all government agencies to evaluate the current situation and propose new plans to enhance Taiwan's competitiveness so as to maximize the benefits of the direct cross-strait links.

Liu said while the benefits of the exchanges between the two sides will increase exponentially, it can also be expected that some problems will emerge.

"I am asking the Mainland Affairs Council to look at the possible issues that could arise," he said.

Liu said that he hopes that the establishment of regular dialogue between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and its mainland counterpart, the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), will lead to the peaceful and fruitful development of cross-strait relations.

The launch of direct cross-strait shipping links is one of four agreements sealed by the two sides Nov. 4 to expand transport exchanges, postal services and establish a food safety mechanism. (By Andrew Lee) Enditem /pc