A delegation of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits has arrived in Taipei. Chairman Chen Yunlin is expected to seal a deal with the Taipei-based Straits Exchange Foundation at the 8th cross-strait meeting.
Crossing the Taiwan straits. ARATSs chairman Chen Yunlin began his Taipei visit with some light-hearted moments.
At the Taipei zoo, Chen inspected the two Giant pandas, that were given to the island as a gift in 2008. The names of the two furry animals, Tuantuan and Yuanyuan, combined, mean reunion.
Chen Yunlin (L Front), president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), leaves Beijing, capital of China, for Taipei in southeast China's Taiwan, on Aug. 8, 2012. Chen Yunlin flew to Taipei on Wednesday to attend the eighth summit between ARATS and the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), scheduled on Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Li Fangyu)
Chen Yunlin, Chairman of Assoc. for relations across the Taiwan Straits, says, "Thank you to the professionals here for taking good care of the two pandas. They are liked here and are receiving a lot of attention. And I am really happy seeing them living healthily together in Taipei."
The two chairman have also exchanged gifts.
Chen’s in Taiwan to attend the upcoming 8th Chen-chiang meeting. Two documents are expected to be signed, the Cross-Strait Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement, and the Cross-Strait Customs Cooperation Agreement.
In an earlier press conference, Chiang Pinkun, chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation expressed satisfaction towards the upcoming two documents.
Chen Yunlin (L Front), president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), leaves Beijing, capital of China, for Taipei in southeast China's Taiwan, on Aug. 8, 2012. Chen Yunlin flew to Taipei on Wednesday to attend the eighth summit between ARATS and the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), scheduled on Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Li Fangyu)
Chiang Pin-Kun, Chairman of Straits Exchange Foundation, says, "Our requests are all included in the new agreements. So we are satisfied."
The preparatory meeting was held on Wednesday afternoon. Zheng Lizhong, vice-chairman of ARATS says that the Chen-Chiang meeting has become an important platform for the mainland and Taiwan to exchange ideas and push forward development.
Zheng Lizhong, vice chairman of Assoc. for relations across Taiwan Strait, says, "The upcoming two agreements have been reached after rounds of negotiations, and taken two Chen-Chiang meetings. Both sides have investors’ interests in mind, and with the aim to promote and protect investment across the Straits, and increase customs efficiency.
KAO Koong-lian says that it’s imperative to promote economic integration across the Taiwan Straits.
Kao Koong Lian, vice chairman of Assoc. for relations across Taiwan Strait, says, "The main priority now, is to finish follow-up negotiations of ECFA, including service trade, trade in goods, investment protection and dispute settlements. The two sides should also strengthen industrial cooperation between customs, increase efficiency and become more effective in withstanding the global economic setback "
Chen Yunlin’s visit to Taiwan might have started on a light-hearted tone, but he’s got an important job ahead. The upcoming Chen-Chiang Meeting is expected to address some critical issues ranging from dispute settlement, investment restrictions and customs cooperation. Agreements on these fields are expected to signal great progress in cross-strait economic ties.
