Mainland Chief Negotiator Arrives in Taiwan Leading Business Delegation

A Chinese mainland business delegation led by Chen Yunlin, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), arrived in Taiwan Wednesday noon for a six-day trip of business exchanges.

Chen was greeted by Kao Koong-lian, vice chairman of Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), upon his arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Both the ARATS and the SEF are authorized by both sides to handle cross-Strait issues.

At the invitation of the SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung, the 50-member delegation is to investigate the investment environment and business opportunities on the island to help mainland companies enter the island's market and promote industrial cooperation, according to the ARATS.

Members of the delegation will meet Taiwan business people and visit sea ports, industrial parks, enterprises and farmers' associations in Taipei and Kaohsiung, Chiayi and Yunlin in the middle and southern part of the island.

The delegation attended a trade forum Wednesday afternoon. The SEF will also hold an evening banquet to welcome Chen's delegation. On Thursday morning, the delegation will go to Kaohsiung. It will leave the island next Monday.

It is the first time for Chen to lead a business delegation to Taiwan. He has previously visited the island for talks between the ARATS and the SEF.