The Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement has significantly boosted exports of Taiwanese agricultural products to mainland China, ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said Sept. 13 at a meeting with mainland-based Taiwanese business groups.
“ECFA has brought many opportunities for Taiwan’s agriculture,” Ma said. As examples, the president noted that since the trade agreement took effect, exports of Pacific sauries and groupers to mainland China have grown 9-fold and 3.9-fold respectively. “Taiwan’s trade deficit with mainland China has also fallen from US$280 million in 2008 to US$130 million in 2010,” he added.
According to Ma, the mainland is Taiwan’s largest source of trade surplus. “Without this favorable balance of trade, the nation’s exports would face a trade deficit,” he said. “The government will continue to adopt various measures to help the nation’s businesses.
“Currently, Taiwan and mainland China are in talks for agreements on investment protection and trade dispute resolutions. The aim is to create a safe business environment and ensure the personal safety of Taiwanese businesspeople when conducting business in mainland China.”
In regards to cross-strait political relations, Ma said, “there is still a long way to go. But if bilateral trade and cultural relations can be established, it is unlikely that nonpeaceful means will be used to settle disputes.”
Ma said that since he took office in 2008, the government has pushed for peaceful development in cross-strait relations based on the status quo of “no unification, no independence and no use of force” and the foundations of the “1992 consensus.” In formulating policies, his administration has also abided by the principle of “putting Taiwan first, for the benefit of the people,” Ma added.
“For the past three years, the 15 agreements inked between the two sides all put into practice the principles of ‘dignity, equality and reciprocity,’ ensuring the people’s benefits and allowing the development of cross-strait relations,” Ma said. “We hope these relations can continue to develop smoothly.” (HZW)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw