Economist calls for establishing across-strait free trade zone

A renowned mainland economist Gao Shangquan has called for establishing a free trade zone across the Taiwan Strait, in a way to make a breakthrough for the development of peaceful cross-strait relations.

Gao, honorary chairman of the China Society of Economic Reform, made the call Monday at the Across-strait Economic Forum of Chambers in Longyan City, Fujian Province, southeast China.

The mainland should set up a free trade zone based on several existing development zones on mainland side, so as to better cooperate with similar zones in Taiwan, Gao said. He also urged the two sides to sign an agreement on the framework of across-strait cooperation, for the benefits of both sides.

The across-strait cooperation and exchanges should be extended from culture, tourism to political area, the expert said.

More than 1,100 officials, experts and business people from the mainland and Taiwan attended the forum.

Source:Xinhua