The Hong Kong–Taiwan Economic and Cultural Co-operation and Promotion Council (ECCPC) represents the Government of Hong Kong in talks with Taiwan, through its counterpart, the Taiwan–Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council (ECCC).[1]
The ECCPC was set up in April 2010 in a symbiotic relationship with the Taiwanese ECCC, similar to that between bodies representing Taiwan and mainland China in cross-strait talks, under a slightly hands-off approach that is often known as the "white glove" policy. The two councils, both with participation by high-ranking ministers, are incorporated as legal entities but will be authorised by the two governments to sign pacts.
The two bodies were established against a background of strengthened Hong Kong-Taiwan links and trade, which match improved China-Taiwan relations. With the establishment in 2009 of direct flights between Taiwan and the mainland, Hong Kong’s role as a transit point was eliminated.
The ECCPC has only one major committee, the Business Co-operation Committee, reflecting the Hong Kong government’s focus on business and economic aspects of the relationship, such as seeking mutual avoidance of double taxation and collaboration between the two financial markets. This contrasts with the broader agenda of the Taiwanese side, which is looking for progress on matters such as infectious disease control, relaxation of visa requirements for travellers and cultural exchanges. The committee chair, for a term of two years, is David Lie Tai-chong, also a vice-chairman of the ECCPC itself and a Hong Kong delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
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