Visiting Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan voiced full confidence in Cross-Taiwan-Straits' cooperation, saying it will have a "brighter future."

"People across the Straits should continue to deepen their relations in all areas and work together for the future of the Chinese nation," Lien said while meeting with Zhang Dejiang, secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Guangdong, as the birthplace of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), the forerunner of the anti-feudalism revolution in China, is a sacred place which Lien has been long yearning to visit. "I am very touched to achieve what I wished," Lien said.

He also praised the rapid development of Guangdong and its close relationship with Taiwan.

Zhang, also member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, welcomed more Taiwan business people to invest in Guangdong, the economic engine in southern China.

"We hope to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in science, technology, culture, education, sports and all other areas," he said.

Statistics show that Guangdong has about 20,700 Taiwan businesses with an actual investment of US$35 billion.

Two-way trade volume hit US$34.4 billion last year between Guangdong and Taiwan, accounting for 37.72 percent of the total between the mainland and Taiwan.

"Taiwan businesses promote the development of Guangdong while achieving their own development," Zhang said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2006)