A group of mainland scholars and government officials founded the Cross-Strait Trade Exchange Association, with the intention of resolving trade disputes between the two sides.
Despite Taiwan and the mainland having no formal ties, trade between them grew to US$57 billion last year, making Taiwan the mainland's fifth-largest trading partner. The mainland was Taiwan's top trading partner.
Although the central government estimates that the Taiwanese have poured US$36 billion into the mainland, some analysts believe the figure is as high as US$100 billion.
Despite the investment, Taiwan investors have had a difficult time resolving disputes, as the island does not have a representative office on the mainland.