Two agreements on cross-strait investment protection and customs cooperation came into force Feb. 1, a significant development in Taipei-Beijing relations and strong boost to business activity between the two sides.
“The investment protection and promotion pact will provide comprehensive and institutionalized protection to firms trading on both sides of the strait,” an official from the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs said. “Specific measures on dispute settlement and protection of investors’ commercial rights and personal safety are also included.”
The MOEA is planning numerous public sessions and seminars detailing benefits of the agreement, the official said, adding that the MOEA will continue communicating with the private sector in this regard and holding regular review meetings with relevant parties to ensure its effective implementation.
Concluded Aug. 9, 2012 in Taipei City, the pacts were signed by Taipei City-based Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and Chen Yunlin, head of Beijing-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, during the eighth round of talks between the organizations.
According to the SEF, both sides completed respective administrative and legislative procedures Jan. 31.
Mainland China is Taiwan’s top export destination and No. 2 source of imports, an official from the ROC Ministry of Finance said. Bilateral customs cooperation is imperative to the smooth flow of goods between the two markets, the official added.
The MOF also expects the agreement to help improve both sides’ customs operations and crack down on smuggling through the exchange of key personnel and information. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mofa.gov.tw