中央政府決定促進海峽西岸經濟區的發展，這將有利于加強兩岸的聯系，為臺灣商業打開市場。

Moving towards closer cross strait ties

For the 700 thousand Taiwan businessmen living and working on the mainland, the central government's decision to boost the Economic Zone on the West Coast of the Strait, is inspiring news. The move will mean closer economic ties and a more open market for the island's businesses.

Mr. Du Wanglong came to Beijing 16 years ago, one of the earliest Taiwan businessmen to cross the Strait. He started with a photo studio and has now expanded his business to cosmetics and consulting. He's been paying close attention to policy changes in Fujian and Guangdong, the two closest provinces to Taiwan.

Du Wanglong, Taiwan entrepreneur in Beijing, said, "Fujian and Guangdong Provinces have really good policies for Taiwan businessmen, especially for them to acquire land and build factories."

Du says he and his friends have seen greater trade liberalization between the mainland and Taiwan in recent years. They say they hope the mainland will continue to reform and open up, to allow cross-strait cooperation to deepen.

Du said, "I noticed the mainland and Taiwan are talking about closer logistics. It's important because good logistics will make trade across the strait similar to trade between provinces. That'll make business much easier for everyone."

But Mr. Du also points out that the northern areas are not as open as the southern part of the country, in terms of both investment policies and local regulations. Though he enjoys the massive market in the north, he hopes for stronger government support in the near future.