Cross-Straits exchanges to boost business cooperation

The latest policies of the Chinese mainland to promote economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Straits are highly necessary and should be implemented effectively, said David TC Lie, a member of China's top political advisory body.

"Quasi-national treatment is very important for all enterprises in all industries. We hope the policies will be well implemented. As a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, my fellow members and I will help supervise the implementation of the policies," said Lie, chairman and CEO of Newpower Group.

On Feb 28, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the National Development and Reform Commission and other 29 departments released a set of measures on promoting cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation. Implemention of the measures started from the date of promulgation.

The measures will accelerate the equal treatment of Taiwan-funded enterprises with mainland-funded enterprises in the fields of investment and economic cooperation and will gradually provide Taiwan compatriots the same treatment as their compatriots on the mainland for studying, starting a business, working and living in the mainland.

Zhang Zhijun, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Monday the government will conduct research and launch more policy measures of high value according to new conditions and new demands.

Looking forward to the release of detailed measures, Lie advised policymakers to make a complete set of measures that will support all enterprises in a certain industry.

"A policy does not work if it will benefit 90 percent of the enterprises in an industry but leave out the rest," he said.

Policymakers should also avoid "opening the big door while keeping small doors shut", he said.