The National Association of Taiwan Businessmen, the first business organization for Taiwanese on the mainland, convened for the first time in Beijing on Monday.
Chang Han-wen, first Chairman of the National Association of Taiwan Businessmen, announced that its remit would be to serve and preserve cross-Straits economic and trade ties. It will also aim to facilitate the creation of direct communication links across the Taiwan Straits such as mail, trade and shipping services.
Director of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office and honorary Chairman of the association, Chen Yunlin outlines his hopes that the association will improve avenues for Taiwan-funded businesses and generally contribute to cross-Straits relations.
The association will be advised by a strong cadre of professionals from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Civil Affairs.
Beyond its state ties, the non-profit organization is comprised of around 100 other local associations of Taiwan-funded enterprises across 25 mainland provinces.
(CRI/Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2007)