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SHANGHAI: Taiwan's incoming Kuomintang (KMT) government has sent its top China negotiator to the mainland to help kickstart the flow of mainland tourists to Taiwan.
Mr Chiang Pin-kun, who is also the KMT's vice-chairman, is on a five-day visit to thank Taiwanese business leaders for their support of President-elect Ma Ying-jeou.
There are about one million Taiwanese living in China and for many of them, President-elect Ma's proposal to enhance cross-strait contacts is one of the main reasons why they backed him in last month's presidential election.
Yue Hui-De, chairman, Shanghai Guofu Long Feng Foods Co. Ltd, said: "Efforts should be made to strengthen cross-strait relations, which will benefit Taiwan's economy. They should work on what the Taiwan business people need most, which includes direct flights to Taiwan and investment opportunities."
Mr Chiang, a well-connected veteran of cross-strait contacts, will be heading the Straits Exchange Foundation – Taiwan's semi-official body responsible for non-political negotiations with the mainland.
"Taiwan and China will launch weekend charter flights across the Taiwan Strait from July this year. Next year, I hope it will be possible to charter flights during weekdays and regular flights by July," said Mr Chiang.
Although there are no official meetings scheduled during the visit, analysts are almost certain that discussions are underway.
Professor Fang Zhu, School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, said: "I'm sure the government is going to meet with Mr Chiang and try everything possible to win his friendship and trust. He's going to play a major role in the future.
"He's definitely VIP, I'm sure there will be secret or not-high-level meetings and they will discuss all the major issues."
From the warm reception that Mr Chiang received here, many investors from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are already raring to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
The Taiwanese have invested billions of dollars in the mainland but mainland investments have been banned by Taiwan authorities. Now, it is hoped that with better cooperation, millions of dollars will soon flow into Taiwan.
- CNA/so
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