Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office. Photo:VCG

As the Chinese mainland continues to open up and create a better business environment, cross-Straits economic exchanges and cooperation will expand to wider fields, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press conference on Wednesday.

From January to September this year, the number of projects in the mainland in which Taiwan business people invested increased by 23.9 percent year-on-year, with cross-Straits trade amounting to nearly $200 billion, according to Chen.

"This shows that despite the obstacles set up by the DPP authorities for cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, the confidence and willingness of the vast number of Taiwan compatriots, Taiwan businessmen and enterprises to engage with the market of the mainland remain unchanged," Chen said, noting that it also showed that the bright prospects for cross-Straits economic exchanges and cooperation are unchanged.

The mainland's policy stance of respecting, caring for and benefiting compatriots in Taiwan, taking the lead in sharing development opportunities with compatriots in Taiwan, and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan businessmen and enterprises in accordance with the law remains unchanged, said the spokesperson.

Chen also noted that since the beginning of this year, the mainland's economy has continued to improve, with steadily increased production and supply and expanding market demand, and the potential for economic growth has always been a major driving force in the development of the world economy. He cited a series of economic indicators in the first three quarters, including GDP growth and total retail sales.

In addition, international investors are optimistic about the mainland's economic prospects and continue to develop their business plans. "This year, we have organized a number of international economic and trade exchanges, including the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the 134th Canton Fair and the China International Import Expo, to create conditions for overseas investors to come to the mainland to develop markets and seek business opportunities," Chen said.