THE Chinese mainland yesterday released new measures on exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan, effective immediately.

The 31 measures were unveiled by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission after consultation with other departments. They cover industry, finance and taxation, land use, employment, education, culture, and health care.

“They are aimed at sharing the opportunities of the mainland’s development with Taiwan compatriots,” a statement from the office said.

The measures include 12 on equal treatment for Taiwan enterprises. An Fengshan, spokesperson for the office, told reporters yesterday that the measures were designed to grant Taiwan businesses equal treatment in action plans and R&D projects as their mainland counterparts.

Taiwan institutions can now cooperate with mainland counterparts to provide small payment and credit services for Taiwan compatriots, according to the document.

The measures will help Taiwan businesses reduce costs, speed up transformation and upgrades, and expand domestic demand.

There are 19 measures on offering Taiwan compatriots equality with mainland compatriots in education, setting up businesses, and working and living in the mainland.

There will be no limits to the number of mainland films and television programs in which Taiwan compatriots can participate, and the number of Taiwan’s films and television dramas on mainland.

“The measures are in response to the concerns of Taiwan businesses and compatriots, providing targeted solutions for the benefit of Taiwan society,” An said.

An yesterday also expressed gratitude for the efforts by the Taiwan side to rescue and assist mainland tourists trapped by the Feb. 6 earthquake.

Nine mainland tourists were killed and six injured in the 6.5-magnitude earthquake in Hualien on Feb. 6.

The Taiwan side, including Hualien County government and local rescue teams, made great efforts in rescue and medical care for the victims and assistance to their families, said An.

The mainland authorities also initiated an emergency response after the earthquake, offering full assistance to families of the victims who wished to travel to Taiwan, An said.

The bodies of the last two mainland tourists were recovered from the ruins of a collapsed building Sunday.

The mainland closely followed the situation, with a number of organizations sending condolences and offering donations.

According to An, about 23 million yuan (US$3.63 million) has been donated.

(Xinhua)