The Executive Yuan yesterday relaxed regulations governing visits by businesspeople and professionals from China, part of its planned package to open the country to Chinese investment in 99 industrial and service sectors as well as the real estate market.
Premier Liu Chao-shiuan (劉兆玄) yesterday approved the amendments to the measures on business and professional activities by businesspeople and professionals from China.
The revisions, which take effect immediately, increase the maximum number of days a Chinese businessperson or professional is allowed to stay in the country from 14 days to a month.
The number of Chinese professionals or businesspeople a company with volume of more than NT$30 million (US$918,000) is allowed to invite to Taiwan in a year was raised from 50 to 200, while the number of times it can extend such an invitation was quadrupled.
The limit on the number of Chinese businesspeople or professionals allowed to visit Taiwan at the invitation of a company whose volume was less than NT$30 million was increased from 15 to 45.
Meanwhile, the amendments simplified the application procedures for inviting professionals or businesspeople from China. The number of days needed to complete the procedure will be shortened from one month to two weeks.
Meanwhile, despite the global economic recession, Taiwan’s foodstuff exports to China increased last year by 21 percent year on year, an official at Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) said yesterday.
Chang Chi-tang (陳濟棠), a section chief at TAITRA, said the noticeable export growth was mainly what spurred TAITRA to take part in the spring food exhibition held from Tuesday through yesterday at the Shanghai New International Expo Center in Pudong.
“It represented a big jump compared to the single-digital growth in the past,” said Chen, who led a contingent of 36 Taiwanese companies that displayed their products at the fair.
Taiwan had the third-biggest presence at the fair, Chen said, adding that it was the first time Taiwan participated in the Shanghai spring food exhibition.
“China’s rapidly growing economic clout in recent years has driven its demand for safe and fine-quality foods, providing an excellent opportunity for Taiwan’s high-end products to jockey for a place in the Chinese market,” Chen said.
Against this backdrop, TAITRA has stepped up its sales of Taiwan-made food products in China since last year, he said.
To better appeal to Chinese consumers, Taiwanese food companies have launched market exploration and branding efforts by marketing new items with original flavors and packaging, he said.
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