Chinese mainland promotes cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation

BEIJING - The Chinese mainland on Wednesday released new measures on exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan, effective immediately.

The 31 measures were unveiled by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission, after consulting other departments. They cover several areas of industry, finance and taxation, land use, employment, education, culture, and health care.

"They are aimed at sharing the opportunities of the mainland's development with Taiwan compatriots," a statement from the office said.

The measures include 12 on equal treatment for Taiwan enterprises.

Taiwan institutions can cooperate with mainland counterparts to provide small payment and credit services for Taiwan compatriots, according to the document.

The measures can help Taiwan businesses reduce their manufacturing and operating costs, speed up transformation and upgrading and expand the domestic demand market.

There are also 19 measures on offering Taiwan people equal treatment to mainlanders on study, setting up businesses, and working and living in the mainland.

There will be no limit to the number of mainland films and television programs Taiwan people can produce and the number of Taiwan's films and television dramas to the mainland.