国内英语新闻:More measures for cross-Strait economic ties: premier

BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said to continue introducing measures conducive to trade and economic cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, on the premise of continued peaceful development of ties.

"As long as both sides recognize one China, we might discuss any issues," Li said at a press conference after the conclusion of the national legislature annual session, adding that the bedrock is the 1992 Consensus.

"I'm optimistic about the future of peaceful development of cross-Strait ties," he said.

The premier recalled his field trip last year to Fujian Province, where entrepreneurs from Taiwan expressed concerns over whether preferential policies would continue.

"We issued a document right away, reassuring that the preferential policies for Taiwan investors will remain," he said.

The development of trade and economic cooperation across the strait would benefit people on both sides and help improve their livelihood, he said.