A cross-Straits investment seminar was held on Wednesday in Taiwan. It was part of the fourth round of cross-straits trade talks between mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits - and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation.

The seminar aimed to encourage more mainland businesses to invest in Taiwan.

ARATS President, Chen Yunlin, and SEF Chairman, Chiang Pin-Kung, participated in the seminar and pledged their support for the scheme.

The island has been open for mainland investment for six months. Mainland investors have funded 22 projects in Taiwan worth more than a billion New Taiwan Dollars. But Chiang says more can be done.

Chiang said, "There were not many projects underway at the beginning. Mainland investors are still not familiar with some procedures of investing in the island."

A dozen entrepreneurs from the mainland's shipping, mobile, textile and electronics industries attended the seminar in Taichung.

ARATS president, Chen Yunlin, recalled his own experience as a businessman while stressing the importance of a favorable and safe investment environment.

Chen said, "I was an entrepreneur myself. For investment, I have to consider several aspects. First, profits. I won't come without profits. Second, risks. This includes stability of the society."

Mainland businesses that have invested in Taiwan also voiced their concerns. A company from Fujian called for a policy overhaul to boost investment on the island.

Wang Jing, President of Fujian-based Company, said, "We hope to get more policy support from Taiwan authorities to the same level Taiwan people enjoy in the mainland. This includes favorable taxation policies."

Taiwan organizers hoped the face-to-face discussion will attract more mainland investors to Taiwan. Building a two-way investment channel has been one initiative geared at achieving this goal.