The National Association of Taiwan Businessmen, the first ever such business body for Taiwan compatriots on the mainland, held its inaugural meeting on Monday, April 16, 2007. [Photo: Chinataiwan.org] 

A national association for Taiwan businessmen, the first ever such business body for Taiwan compatriots on the mainland, held its inaugural meeting on Monday in Beijing.

Chang Han-wen, first Chairman of the National Association of Taiwan Businessmen, said it will serve as a platform to further promote cross-Straits economic and trade ties, through which an earlier realization of direct links of mail, trade and shipping services across the Taiwan Straits can be realized.

Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, was invited to be honorary chairman of the association.

Chen Yunlin said he hoped the association will better serve Taiwan-funded businesses on the mainland and work to contribute cross-Straits relations.

Officials with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Civil Affairs were also invited to be advisors to the association.

The non-profit national organization is made up of some 100 other local associations of enterprises funded by Taiwan businessmen in 25 provinces on the mainland.