In a reflection of warming relations between Taiwan and Beijing, Hong Kong and the island are establishing a quasi-official framework under which deals on economic and cultural co-operation can be negotiated.
The Hong Kong-Taiwan Economic and Cultural Co-operation and Promotion Council, headed by top ministers, will be authorised to hold talks and sign memorandums of co-operation with a soon-to-be formed Taiwanese counterpart.
The council, being established today, will be registered as a limited company, bypassing political obstacles to direct negotiations.
Announcing the launch yesterday, Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, who will be the council's honorary chairman, said officials from both sides could exchange views on issues of mutual concern 'in appropriate capacities under this umbrella'.
The council will be registered as a limited company under the Companies Ordinance, with the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau providing secretariat support and the government as a whole providing 'full support and resources', Tsang said.
Executive councillor Charles Lee Yeh-kwong will chair the new body. The four vice-chairmen are Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland AffairsStephen Lam Sui-lung, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Rita Lau Ng Wai-lan, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing and businessman David Lie Tai-chong.
Lie, a local delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference who has extensive business links in Taiwan, will also chair a new Hong Kong-Taiwan Business Co-operation Committee, where local and Taiwanese businessmen in Hong Kong will discuss issues relating to trade, tourism and investment between the two places.