WTO Entry Will Boost Cross-Strait Trade Ties

China's foreign trade minister Shi Guangsheng Tuesday in Beijing told a trade delegation from the Taiwan Industrial Association that the country's entry into World Trade Organization will boost trade ties across the Taiwan Straits.

During his meeting with the visitors, Shi explained the foreign trade situation in the Chinese mainland and the progress made in joining WTO.

"This matter has entered its final stage," the minister said.

He said that China's entry into the WTO will be beneficial to the development of the country's reform and opening to the outside.

Admissions to the WTO will also help promote direct links of mail, trade and transport across the Taiwan Straits and provide more development opportunities for Taiwanese businesspeople, Shi said.

He encouraged Taiwanese businesspeople to play a bigger role in promoting economic exchange and cooperation across the Straits and improving cross-strait relations.

At the meeting, the trade minister answered visitors' questions about investment in the Chinese mainland, saying that Taiwanese businesspeople are encouraged to invest and conduct trade in the mainland and their legal interests are protected by law.

The Taiwanese delegation arrived in Beijing on June 25. It met with President Jiang Zemin on Monday.



People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/