Beijing mayor stresses ECFA's role in cross-Strait cultural exchange

Xinhua, February 19, 2012

A "new historic chapter" has been unfolded for the peaceful development and cultural exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, after the signing of a landmark cross-Strait economic agreement, Beijing mayor Guo Jinlong said on Saturday.

When meeting with Chiang Pin-kung, Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) chairman, Guo said the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) has benefited more than the economic and trade sectors, but the cross-Strait cultural exchange as well.

ECFA is a pact signed in June 2010 between the SEF and its mainland-based counterpart the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS). According to the ECFA, the mainland will open 11 service sectors to Taiwan.

Guo, who is currently leading a Beijing delegation on a cultural exchange trip to the island, said he believed cross-Strait relations will witness more progress if both sides increase cultural exchanges and cooperation.

During their meeting, Chiang briefed Guo on the development of the follow-up negotiations of the ECFA.

The signing of the ECFA and the follow-up negotiations regarding the trade of commodities and services, as well as the settlement of disputes was aimed at creating more business opportunities for both sides and benefiting the people, Jiang said.