Taiwan may open more infrastructure to China firms

January 17, 2012 | 09:10

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Taiwan may allow Chinese investment in subways and other major infrastructure projects, officials said on Monday, in a plan seen as another sign of closer economic ties with the mainland.

Trains of Taiwan's high-speed rail company rest at the platform at Zuoying station, south of Kaohsiung city. Taiwan may allow Chinese investment in subways and other major infrastructure projects, officials said, in a plan seen as another sign of closer economic ties with the mainland

The plan was announced following the re-election Saturday of Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou, who has overseen unprecedented improvement in China ties during his first four-year term.

"Officials from related government agencies will meet to discuss infrastructure that can be opened up to mainland companies," an official at the Public Construction Commission told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Although details have yet to be determined, the accessible projects may include subway and light rail systems, as well as train stations.

In 2009, Taiwan for the first time allowed Chinese companies to invest in certain infrastructure projects, including conference centre building and sewage systems.

Ties between Taipei and Beijing have improved markedly since 2008 after Ma of the China-friendly Kuomintang party came to power on a platform of beefing up trade links with the mainland and allowing more visits by Chinese tourists.

Taiwan and the mainland split in 1949 at the end of a civil war, but Beijing still considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification.

AFP

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