(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-16 23:46

BEIJING - The latest meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vincent C. Siew, chairman of the Taiwan-based Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation, is significant in promoting the development of cross-Straits relations.

Speaking at a regular press conference here on Wednesday, Li Weiyi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said the Saturday meeting received positive responses from Taiwan people and the international media.

In response to a question on establishing normal cross-Straits economic and trade relations, he cited the remarks made by Hu during the meeting at the Boao forum for Asia in China's southern Hainan Province.

As Hu said, the economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan were facing a historical opportunity and needed joint efforts from both sides for further progress.

Hu added that under the new circumstances, the mainland would continue promoting cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation.

The mainland would also make efforts to push forward negotiations on weekend charter flights and mainland tourists' travel to Taiwan.

He said the mainland remains committed to the promotion of the welfare of Taiwan compatriots and protection of their legitimate rights and interests. It would continue working to restore cross-Straits negotiations and talks.

Spokesman Li said "we will listen carefully to opinions of Taiwan compatriots and take the demands of Taiwan compatriots into consideration".

"We will continue to expand the scope and upgrade the level of cross-Straits economic and trade exchanges.

"We will actively promote the early realization of direct links for mail, trade and transport services between the two sides, aiming to benefit people on both sides," he said.

In response to a question that Taiwan is likely to open some industries to mainland investment, Li said "we sincerely hope that mainland companies can invest in Taiwan."

During a round-table discussion on cross-Straits trade at the Boao forum, mainland entrepreneurs showed their willingness to invest in Taiwan, he said.

On question that some Taiwan mayors from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), hope to come to mainland to invite investment, he said: "we have already said that DPP members are welcome to the visit the mainland in proper capacity."

"In fact, many DPP members have visited the mainland," he said.