Cross-strait double taxation deal is delayed

Mainland and Taiwan negotiators have failed to reach an agreement on a double taxation policy, the South China Morning Post reported. However, pacts covering cooperation on industrial standards, farm product inspection and the employment of mainland fisherman are likely to be signed today. Zheng Lizhong, vice chairman of Beijing’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, a semi-official body responsible for dealing with Taipei, said more time was required to discuss taxation issues. He didn’t give details on what exactly stood in the way of an agreement, merely citing “technicalities.” Kao Koong-lian, vice chairman of Taipei’s Straits Exchange Foundation, confirmed that more talks are required. He noted that negotiations only began in October and that it can take up to five years to reach taxation agreements with other countries. The two sides have held three rounds of talks and signed nine agreements – including those restoring direct cross-strait links – since June of last year. This week’s talks were met with street protests by the rival Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Tapei.