What exactly is ECFA? What does it mean for both sides of the Taiwan Strait?

ECFA will cut tariffs on more than 800 products and open up service sectors, giving a major boost to two-way trade. The tariff cuts will cover about 15 percent of Taiwan's exports to the mainland, ranging from petrochemicals and plastics to cars and auto-parts, textiles, machines tools and medical equipment.

The decrease of tariffs will make the mainland market more accessible to Taiwan enterprises. The ECFA will lower the threshold for Taiwan companies to enter the mainland market and make their products more competitive. It will also enhance cooperation in intellectual property protection, finance, customs, and E-business. Banks from both sides of the Straits will be able to open offices both in the mainland and in Taiwan.

It should boost bilateral trade already totaling about 110 billion US dollars a year. 80 billion US dollars worth of goods flows into the mainland, and 30 billion to Taiwan.

A private research body in Taiwan estimates the ECFA could create more than a quarter-million jobs in Taiwan, and lift its GDP almost two percentage points a year.

TAIWAN GOODS COVERED IN ECFA

Petrochemicals and plastics

Cars and auto parts

Machinery and tools

Electronics

Agricultural products

Textiles and medical equipment

MAINLAND GOODS COVERED IN ECFA

Oil and textile raw materials

Bike and baby stroller parts

Electronics

Car and bike tires

Glasses and toothbrushes

SERVICES TO ENJOY ECFA TREATMENT

IP protection

Finance

E-business

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