国内英语新闻:Premier Wen calls for closer cross-Straits co-op

BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday visited Xiamen, a southeastern port city which faces Taiwan across the sea, urging cooperation for a win-win result for the mainland and Taiwan.

    With more than 3,300 Taiwan-invested companies, Xiamen, in Fujian Province, is a frontier platform for cross-Straits exchanges.

    While touring Chenhong Technology Company, Wen was pleased to learn the Taiwan-invested high-tech company registered a strong growth last year despite the global financial crisis.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd L Front) smiles as he talks with clerks in the ticket hall of the Xiajin passenger transport dock in Xiamen, a coastal city in southeast China's Fujian Province, May 8, 2009. Premier Wen Jiabao made an inspection tour in Xiamen on May 8.

He said the current peaceful development of cross-Strait ties had benefited both sides.

    "Recently, we have initiated new policies and measures to support the development of an economic zone on the western side of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan-invested companies will have more development opportunities," Wen said.

    At Prima Electronics, another company with Taiwan investment, Wen was attracted by the company's slogan which urges the two sides to "join hands."

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) poses for photos with tourists on the beach in Xiamen, a coastal city in southeast China's Fujian Province, May 8, 2009. Premier Wen Jiabao made an inspection tour in Xiamen on May 8.

"That's a very good slogan," he said. "To join hands is what the two sides must do. We welcome investment from Taiwan, because that boosts not only capital and technology exchanges, but brings people closer."

    At a symposium with representatives from Taiwan-invested companies in the evening, Wen asked all sides to work together and play their roles for the cross-Straits economic development and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.