Kinmen and Matsu islands could be the first Taiwanese destinations to see individual visits by mainland Chinese tourists, according to Mainland Affairs Council Minister Lai Shin-yuan Jan. 14.
“The MAC is working to remove the daily quota for mainland Chinese visiting Kinmen and Matsu, as well as expanding the mini three links to residents beyond Fujian province,” Lai said. “But more negotiations are needed before the plan can move forward.”
The minister’s remarks came during a visit to Matsu with Lienchiang County Magistrate Yang Sui-sheng and Legislator Tsao Erh-chung.
Lai said since the mini three links commenced in January 2001, they have been a resounding success, significantly contributing to the development of Kinmen and Matsu.
MAC statistics reveal that last year, 1.38 million passengers and freight totaling NT$38.65 billion (US$1.33 billion) passed through Kinmen via the mini three links. Matsu handled nearly 60,000 passengers and NT$8.32 billion in cargo. (JSM)
Write to Audrey Wang at audrey@mail.gio.gov.tw