SEF Chairman Lin Join-sane and his ARATS counterpart Chen Deming will finalize agreements on aviation safety, including fit-to-fly criteria, and taxation cooperation issues. The latter, first floated during the fourth SEF-ARATS talks in 2009, comprises avoidance of double taxation, as well as a comprehensive framework for information exchange and dispute settlement.
Deputy Minister of Finance Wu Tang-chieh said the collaborative mechanism is projected to generate tax revenues of NT$8.1 billion (US$249.8 million) to NT$13.3 billion for Taiwan annually, while reducing local enterprises’ tax exposure by NT$3.8 billion.
“Although Taiwan retains full allocation of taxation rights, both sides have reached an understanding on data use restrictions, nondisclosure of taxpayer information, prosecutions and retroactive assessments.”
Regarding the much-anticipated agreement allowing mainland Chinese tourists to transit through Taiwan, the two sides are yet to reach a consensus on the matter and will work toward finalizing necessary negotiations going forward.
According to the SEF, Lin is set to arrive in Fuzhou Aug. 24 and will meet the next day Zhang Zhijun, head of Beijing-based Taiwan Affairs Office. He is scheduled to return Aug. 26 to Taiwan.
The SEF and ARATS have concluded 21 cross-strait pacts since 2008 spanning such issues as direct flights, food safety management and health care cooperation. (YHC-JSM)
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