Mainland, Taiwan negotiators underscore economic exchanges, co-op

Source: Xinhua | 04-26-2009 08:11

NANJING, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Negotiators from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan on Saturday stressed the significance of enhanced cross-Straits economic exchanges and cooperation amid the international financial turmoil.

Zheng Lizhong (R), vice-president of the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), shakes hands with Kao Koong Liann, vice chairman and secretary-general of Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), before the preliminary discussion in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, April 25, 2009. ARATS President Chen Yunlin and SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung are scheduled to hold talks on Sunday.(Xinhua/Sun Can)

Zheng Lizhong, deputy chief of the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), said the international financial turmoil has brought new challenges to economic development across the Taiwan Straits.

Compatriots from the two sides aspired to accelerate cross-Straits economic cooperation, Zheng said at a preliminary meeting with his Taiwan counterpart Kao Koong-lian, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the island's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF).

The meeting was held to make final preparations for Sunday's talks between the ARATS and SEF heads Chen Yunlin and Chiang Pin-kung.

Sunday's talks could bring enhanced economic development and cooperation across the Straits, he said.