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Signing ECFA proves cross-strait peace reachable: President

ROC Central News Agency

2010/06/29 13:57:48

Taipei, June 29 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou said Tuesday that the signing of a landmark cross-Taiwan Strait trade pact shows that Taiwan and China can interact cooperatively and that therefore, peace and prosperity between both sides are also achievable.

Addressing a general meeting of the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce, Ma said that signing the economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) -- which was expected to take place in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing later in the day -- is meaningful because it can make Taiwan more internationalized, institutionalized and can avoid its marginalization.

"It also shows that peace and prosperity between the two sides are not like roses in the sky, " Ma said. "We are able to touch them with our hands." Countries that have been forced until now to choose only one side of the Taiwan Strait are now able to develop peaceful and prosperous relations with both sides at the same time, Ma said, adding that this is "a very important part of signing the ECFA." The president described the ECFA as being like a vitamin but not a panacea that can cure all ills. He said Taiwan still needs to focus on innovation to build up a positive environment for local businesses.

Ma said local industry should transform China from a global factory to a global market, adding that more than 500 Taiwanese products -- most of which are produced by competitive local small- and medium-sized companies -- will be allowed tariff privileges in China after the ECFA is signed.

He also pointed out that if the ECFA takes effect from January 2011, Taiwanese banks -- if proved to be profitable in China -- will be able to operate Chinese yuan business from January 2012, which he said would be very important for Taiwan's financial industry.

Ma expressed hope that foreign companies will become more willing to set up their regional headquarters in Taiwan and increase their investments here, and that more Taiwanese businessmen operating in China will choose Taiwan as their global headquarters.

He also urged both the ruling and opposition parties to take a more rational stance toward the trade pact and to avoid "unnecessary and pointless" objections. (By Lin Ye-fong and Fanny Liu) ENDITEM/J