Advisory board to face cross-Strait investment

Relaxation of the government's China investment policy would be dependent on a planned cross-party economic advisory board reaching a consensus on the issue, local media reported yesterday, citing Cabinet Secretary General Chiou I-jen (邱義仁).

The steering committee of that yet to be finalized body -- the cross-party advisory board on economic development (經發會) -- meets today to discuss the board's agenda and rules.

According to Chiou, easing of ther policy would entail the board reaching a consensus on the issue and requesting that the government make changes to existing regulations.

Chiou said that that the changes would not require a revision of existing laws could be implemented by year end, although the cooperation of the oppsition-dominated legislature would be necessary with measures that would involve legislative changes.

China's cooperation is also needed for the full opening of direct links.