Politics

MAC minister eyes cross-strait customs agreement

MAC Minister Lai Shin-yuan explains key processes under the proposed cross-strait customs pact June 14 in Taipei City. (CNA)

• Publication Date：06/15/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Rachel Chan

Taiwan and mainland China are close to concluding a customs cooperation pact that will fast-track clearance procedures and reduce costs for businesses on both sides of the strait, ROC Mainland Affairs Council Minister Lai Shin-yuan said June 14.

“A consensus has been reached on key issues,” Lai said, adding that both sides are set to finalize the details before the next round of cross-strait talks.

According to the minister, the new agreement provides a platform for Taipei and Beijing to strengthen consultations on customs-related issues, crack down on smuggling and bolster border protection.

“It will also benefit firms engaged in bilateral trade by introducing the radio-frequency identification system to improve cargo handling, and the Authorized Economic Operator mechanism for simplifying customs procedures,” she said.

Lai made the remarks at a briefing on the pact and an investment protection agreement, both of which are part of follow-up negotiations under the Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA).

“The pacts are of great importance in light of fast-growing cross-strait economic cooperation and trade volume,” Lai said. “They will also serve as a model for future negotiations under the ECFA.”

Mainland China is Taiwan’s No.1 export market and second largest source of imports. Last year, cross-strait trade hit US$130 billion, up 7.6 percent from 2010.

After ROC President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008, Taipei and Beijing resumed talks through representatives of Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation and its mainland Chinese counterpart, the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits.

Chiang Pin-kung and Chen Yunlin, respective chairmen of the SEF and ARATS, are scheduled to meet in Taipei City June 28 to July 1. Their meetings alternate twice yearly between Taiwan and mainland China. (JSM)

Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw