President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday said he had upheld his commitment yesterday to pursuing rapprochement with China and changing regulations governing cross-strait trade as part of his administration’s effort to help the nation weather the global financial crisis.
“Taiwan’s investment environment has improved since I came to power in May,” Ma said during a symposium organized by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a leading world research body. “Investors at home and abroad now believe that cross-strait ties will stabilize, because under my leadership, Taiwan will play the role of peacemaker in dealing with China, not troublemaker.”
Ma cited the recent inking of cross-strait agreements, under which passenger flights between the two countries will be increased from 36 to 108 a week.
Direct sea and air cargo services will be instituted within six months, he said.
Ma said that the country would also seek participation in regional trade organizations such as ASEAN.
“Better cross-strait ties will also help avert the crisis of Taiwan being increasingly marginalized on the world’s economic stage,” Ma said.
He also repeated the government’s commitment to fighting the global financial crisis through fiscal stimulus measures and the boosting of domestic demand to offset weakening exports.
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