The government confirmed yesterday that easing trade and investment restrictions with China will be one of the main topics for consideration by the planned economic advisory council (經發會).
The nine-member ad-hoc task force that had been charged with defining the issues for discussion by the yet-to-be-formed 120-member council yesterday revealed its list for guiding the group's efforts to solve Taiwan's economic problems. Sure to stir heated discussion is the proposal to discuss improving the economic and trade links with China.
In its outline, the task force said easing the "no haste, be patient" (戒急用忍) policy on cross-strait trade and investment should be discussed along with the timing and conditions for opening the direct "three links" and a mechanism for capital flows.
Adjustments to cross-strait trade policies in response to entry into the WTO and proposals to allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan, will also be on the agenda.
As members of the council are to be drawn from across party lines, the conclusions -- if any -- of discussions on China links are likely to reflect the ideological differences between the major political forces which swing from the ruling DPP's pro-independence leanings to softer tones from the People First Party.
Discussions on the five main topics will be held among five panels. The other main topics include rising unemployment, the poor domestic investment climate, falling competitiveness in manufacturing and the growing seriousness of the financial and monetary situation.
A final report on recommendations by the council will be submitted by the end of August.
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