Taipei's new representative to Hong Kong, Chang Liang-ren (張良任), said yesterday there was room for improvement in ties with the Special Administrative Region.
Chang added that the current political environment was conducive to such developments, shortly after taking up his position as general manager of the Chung Hwa Travel Service, Taiwan's quasi-representative trade body.
The group represents Taiwan's interests in Hong Kong.
Cable television showed Chang pledging to "strengthen ties with Hong Kong."
He added commerce, culture and education were areas where further cooperation with Hong Kong could be improved.
He said the focus of attention would be on enhancing trade and economic links with the territory.
Chang, 55, arrived in the territory on Jan. 31 after a protracted year-long visa wrangle.
He was appointed in December of 1999 to replace Cheng An-kuo (
Hong Kong, which reverted to Chinese rule in 1997, had delayed a visa for the new chief following his predecessor's remarks.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (董建華) finally gave the green light to Chang's appointment on Jan 19, after seeking Beijing's advice on the matter.
Chang had served as deputy secretary-general of semi-official Straits Exchange Foundation in charge of negotiations with the China before being assigned the new post.
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