The new measures jointly issued by three regulatory bodies to encourage and regulate mainland enterprises investing into Taiwan will open up a new door of opportunities for legal advisors from both sides of the Strait.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council yesterday jointly released the Measures for Administration of Investment in Taiwan Region by Mainland Enterprises. The measures set out rules and procedures on obtaining approval for mainland companies' intended investment into Taiwan.

Under the measures, after obtaining approval, Mainland enterprises will enjoy the support of relevant state policies. In addition, the measures encourage relevant associates and consulting firms to enhance their research regarding the investment environment, market information, and industry development in Taiwan.

Since the signing of the Economic Co-operation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in June this year, PRC firms have been actively seeking tied with Taiwanese counterparts. Dacheng and Zhongyin, for example, have developed their cross-Strait practices with the establishment of their local associated entities in Taiwan, and set up branch offices in Fujian - a key destination for Taiwanese destination.

"With a clearer regulatory framework, our domestic clients will be more interested in and actively investing into Taiwan," said Wang Guangming, senior partner at Dacheng's Shanghai office.

The enactment of the new investment rules is expected to spur more collaboration between firms from both jurisdictions and will unleash a new tide of cross-Strait investment. ALB