Law amended to encourage investment from Taiwan

BEIJING - An amendment to the law on the protection of investments by compatriots from Taiwan was adopted in Beijing Saturday to welcome more investment from Taiwan.

The amendment simplifies the procedures for investment in the mainland by Taiwan compatriots by removing the requirement of government examination, approval and filing.

The amendment was approved at the end of a six-day bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

Taiwan compatriots may set up enterprises that are wholly or partly invested by Taiwan investors, or adopt other forms of investment stipulated by laws, administrative regulations or the State Council, reads the amendment.

The amendment will take effect on Jan 1, 2020.

The amendment aims to better encourage and promote investment from Taiwan compatriots, said Commerce Minister Zhong Shan while briefing the lawmakers about the amendment Monday.

"The foreign investment law passed in March has simplified the management procedures for foreign investors, and we want our Taiwan compatriots to share the benefits of this great change," said Zhong.

Lawmakers have spoken highly of the amendment during the panel discussions.

The amendment makes it more convenient for Taiwan compatriots to invest on the mainland and has a significant impact on promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and deepening economic integration, said lawmaker Li Yuefeng.

Calling the amendment necessary and timely, lawmaker Chen Jun said it further protects the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots and improves their investment environment.

The law on the protection of investments by compatriots from Taiwan was enacted in 1994 and amended in 2016.

Some lawmakers suggested a comprehensive revision to the law as the mainland has carried out a series of preferential policies for Taiwan people who live in the mainland, said Jiang Chenghua with the Ministry of Commerce at a press conference after the session.