China Announces 10 Measures for Taiwan; Ko Chih-en Hopes for Long-Term Impact

Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen visited mainland China from April 7 to 12 and held talks with CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee today authorized the release of 10 policy measures, including piloting free travel to Taiwan for residents of Shanghai and Fujian provinces, and opening up fisheries and agricultural products.

In response, Ko Chih-en pointed out that among the 10 policies, three are more beneficial to Kaohsiung: distant-water fishing, opening up agricultural products, and free travel for Shanghai and Fujian tourists to Taiwan.

Ko Chih-en said that if the mainland is willing to allow Taiwanese distant-water fishing vessels to dock and provide wharves and berths for landing catches, as well as convenience for selling catches, it will significantly reduce the operating costs of distant-water fishing vessels and also generate huge demand for high-value fish species such as tuna, squid, and saury.

In addition, if the Chinese agricultural product market reopens, Ko Chih-en said, it will open up stable channels for Kaohsiung's high-quality agricultural products such as pineapples and wax apples, helping farmers increase their income. Kaohsiung's cold chain logistics park is also expected to receive a large number of orders, driving the upgrading of automated grading and packaging technology.

If Shanghai and Fujian tourists can travel freely to Kaohsiung, it will not only help increase passenger volume at Kaohsiung International Airport but also revitalize Kaohsiung's tourism and hospitality industry chain.

Ko Chih-en said that Kaohsiung has excellent tourism and commercial resources and conditions for deeper exchanges with the mainland market. 'I think we are all optimistic about this, but we still hope that these policies can last long without being affected by cross-strait political factors. This is what truly benefits people on both sides of the strait.'

Ko Chih-en said that in addition to mainland tourists, Kaohsiung also wants guests from all over the world; Kaohsiung's products should not only be sold to the mainland but also continue to be sold to all corners of the world. If she can gain the trust of citizens and be elected mayor of Kaohsiung, she will continue to lead Kaohsiung to the world. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150412