August 10, 2013
No. 61
Mainland Affairs Council Minister (MAC) Wang Yu-chi stated today (August 10) that the Cross-Strait Trade in Services Agreement was signed with an eye to the vast opportunities in the Mainland market, enabling Taiwan's high-quality service providers to enter the Mainland with preferential treatment compared to foreign enterprises. Like the God of Wealth worshipped at the temple which hosted today's promotion event, the Agreement will help to enrich the people.
The MAC held a promotion activity today at Dunhe Temple in Caotun Township. This was the fourth temple promotion event held by the MAC this year, following similar activities at Chenghuang Temple in Kaohsiung City, Zhenlan Temple in Taichung City, and Sheng'an Temple in Hualien County. During the activity, Vice President Wu Den-yih and Minister Wang explained the benefits of the Trade in Services Agreement to Nantou residents and provided clarification about recent misgivings among some parties.
Minister Wang said that during negotiations for the Trade in Services Agreement, the government secured conditions from the Mainland that are more favorable than those enjoyed by other countries. Taiwanese companies can take advantage of this rare opportunity to expand their business scope. At the same time, the mutual market opening by the two sides will attract more mainland investment to Taiwan, invigorate Taiwan's economic environment, create jobs, and enable Taiwan's young people to develop in their homeland.
Minister Wang said that some people and the media have had misunderstandings about the Trade in Services Agreement. For example, there have been comments that the opening of the restaurant industry will cause Taiwan's restaurants to "go bust." These views are rooted in misunderstandings that are very far from the truth. The government will continue to communicate with outside parties and convey the most accurate information to the public.