Cross-strait economic ties

On Wednesday, Taiwan's leader, Ma Ying-jeou, announced the island will further ease its investment restrictions, to attract business from the mainland.

At a gathering of Taiwanese business leaders and entrepreneurs, Ma pledged to actively negotiate follow-up issues with the mainland regarding the 2010 Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, known as ECFA.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) MA YING-JEOU, Taiwan leader:

"We hope to finalize a cross-strait service trade agreement with the mainland as soon as possible and ensure trade negotiations are productive."

Taiwan economic authorities also held a meeting earlier this week with mainland companies operating in Taiwan.

Representatives from six Taiwanese cities met with mainland business representatives, to discuss mainland investments in Taiwan's infrastructure.

According to the General Administration of Customs, trade between the mainland and Taiwan grew 5.6 percent year on year in 2012 to 170 billion dollars.