Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Taipei, Sept. 15 (CNA) The opening of direct cross-Taiwan Strait trade, transportation and mail links should be implemented in stages, President Chen Shui-bian said Monday.

Speaking at a seminar and dinner party for leaders of Taiwan businessmen associations in mainland China, Chen said it is impossible to put in place all measures promoting the so-called "three links" at the same time.

Measures for faster and more convenient cross-strait air cargo transportation that will be implemented from Sept. 25 will create a win-win situation for both sides of the strait because they have the highest practicability and offer mutual benefit while minimally changing the status quo, Chen said.

Vice President Annette Lu, Mainland Affairs Council Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen and Ku Chen-fu, chairman of the Taipei-based Straits Exchange Foundation, also attended the party, together with hundreds of Taiwan businessmen operating on the mainland.