Han hopes for even closer cooperation between Shanghai and Taiwan business community

Taiwanese business leaders, including Hon Hai Group Chairman Terry Gou, sat down to have breakfast with visiting Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng Wednesday, kicking off the second day of the mainland official's high-profile visit to the island.

Han told the gathering, which was jointly hosted by Taiwan External Trade Development Council Chairman Wang Chih-kang and Taipei-based Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI) Chairman Chen Wu-hsiung, that he hoped for even closer cooperation between the city and Taiwanese business people operating in Shanghai.

Han's sentiments drew a positive response from Chen, who said that over two-thirds of the federation's more than 90,000 members had invested on the mainland. He said he looked forward to more cross-Straits cooperation, saying the two sides could "work together to earn money around the world."

Wang applauded the Taiwan Pavilion that will be a part of the Shanghai World Exposition in May. It will be the first time in 40 years that Taiwan will have taken part in a world expo.

The breakfast was also attended by Ting Hsin Group Chairman Wei Ying-chiao, Delta Electronics Group Chairman Bruce C.H. Cheng, Cathay Financial Holdings Group Chairman Tsai Hong-tu, ASUSTek Computer Chairman Jonney Shih and Uni-President Enterprises Corp President Alex Lo.

Delta Group's Cheng took advantage of media attention for the event by announcing his company's plans to develop an electricity-powered automobile.

Cheng said that Delta Electronics is developing the electric automobile industry in Taiwan and on the mainland "at the same time." He pointed out that while it operates a large research and development base in Taiwan's Taoyuan area, the company also has opened a research and development center in Shanghai's Pudong district.

Asked whether he hoped that the mainland would offer preferential investment opportunities, the business tycoon answered that Shanghai has already provided Taiwan enterprises many opportunities, including cheap land.

Cheng said that "when doing business you should rely on your own strength and competitiveness."

Taiwan-based Delta Group is the world's largest provider of switching power supplies and DC brushless fans, as well as a major source for power management solutions, components, visual displays, industrial automation, networking products and renewable energy solutions.

The Shanghai mayor, leading a 200-strong delegation, arrived in Taipei for a four-day visit Tuesday, culminating 10 years of exchanges between the two cities that began in 2001, when "President" Ma Ying-jeou was mayor of Taipei.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 04/08/2010 page4)