Symposium boosts cross-strait ties

A symposium aiming to promote cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and water resources between the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan has been held in the city of Ningbo, located in East China's Zhejiang Province. Senior Chinese Communist Party official Jia Qinglin, Taiwan-based People First Party chairman James Soong, and Taiwan-based New Party chairman Yok Mu-Ming attended the meeting.

Jia Qinglin says the symposium will further deepen cross-strait exchanges and cooperation on agriculture, fishery and water resources. It will also greatly promote cross-strait relations and peaceful development.

So far, 24 cross-strait agricultural cooperative and experimental zones and Taiwan farming innovation parks have been established in both Fujian and Hainan Provinces.

Meanwhile, sales of Taiwan agricultural produce on the mainland continues to grow, indicating greater bilateral cooperation.

Jia Qinglin said, "The agricultural and fishing industries of both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan each have their own advantages. The enhancement of exchanges and cooperation will facilitate productivity and international competitiveness, and inject new vigor to the peaceful development of cross-strait ties."

James Soong, chairman of the Taiwan-based People First Party says facing the challenges of global financial crisis and climate change, the two sides need to establish a mutually beneficial cooperative mechanism on trade and economics, enhancing industrial competitiveness.

James Soong, chairman of Taiwan's People 1st Party, said, "The agenda of this symposium focuses on four aspects: cross-strait natural disaster prevention and rebuilding, agro-technology and industry cooperation, fishery cooperation as well as the prospect of water resources cooperation. We also hope this symposium will proposes useful suggestions and plans for the development of Taiwan's agriculture, fishery and water resources."

There is a lot to explore cross-strait cooperation on agriculture, fishery and water resources. And both sides believe more mutual benefits can be achieved if they work together.