Landmark Trade Accords Take Effect

Landmark Trade Accords Between Taiwan And China Take Effect

Two landmark agreements between Taiwan and China—the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement and the Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Cooperation Agreement—formally took effect Sept. 12, ushering in what many observers believe will be sweeping changes in cross-strait relations.

According to the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council, the two sides notified each other Sept. 11 that they had completed all the necessary legal procedures and complementary measures relating to the accords. The terms of the two agreements, both signed on June 29 stipulating they would become effective the day after such formal notifications had been given, the MAC added.

Chairman Chiang Pin-kung of the Straits Exchange Foundation, which operates with authorization from the MAC, will lead a delegation to China for follow-up talks between Sept. 16 and 19, sources familiar with the issue said.

Consisting of SEF directors and supervisors, the group will also include Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Sheng-chung, Deputy Minister of the Financial Supervisory Commission Lee Jih-chu and several other government officials.

During their visit to Shanghai and Kunshan, both in Jiangsu Province, the Taiwan delegates are expected to meet with their mainland counterparts led by Chen Yunlin, chairman of the mainland’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, sources said.

The two sides will likely touch upon such issues as the establishment of a cross-strait economic cooperation committee and further negotiations on a proposed investment protection agreement, the sources added.

An unnamed MOEA official revealed that China will send more than 10 officials in charge of patents, trademarks, copyrights and breeder’s rights to Taipei next week for further discussions regarding IPR protection and cooperation.

“Priority rights of patents and trademarks will be the first item on our agenda,” the official said. While both sides have not reached consensus on the effective date of granting such rights, “our bottom line is Jan. 1, 2011.”

ENDS

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