Chongqing, June 29 (CNA) Private trade and industrialassociations in Taiwan may be the first groups to be allowed to setup offices in China under the terms of a landmark trade pact betweenthe two sides, Taiwan officials said Tuesday.

According to officials participating in the fifth meeting betweentop cross-strait negotiators, private institutions such as TaiwanFurniture Manufacturers' Association (TFMA) may be the first tobenefit from an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA)between Taiwan and China, which allows for the reciprocalestablishment of economic and trade groups offices.

The semi-official Taiwan External Trade Development Council(TAITRA) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade(CCPIT) may be next in line, the officials said.

For many years, Taiwan and China have been discussing the issueof setting up TAITRA and CCPIT offices on each side, the officialssaid, adding that the ECFA has now provided a structure to allow forthat.

After they have established offices in China, Taiwan economic andtrade groups will be able to expand their business exchanges withChinese companies and offer more services, the officials said.

(By Lin Shu-yuan and Fanny Liu)
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