The mainland-based China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products opened an office in Taipei on Jan. 30.

The office is the first of its kind to be established on the island by a mainland economic and trade association.

Both the mainland and Taiwan now have economic and trade offices on each other's side, as December 2012 saw the Taiwan World Trade Center, the island's largest trade promotion agency, opening an office in Shanghai and an office in Beijing.

The associations' new offices represent a breakthrough in cross-Straits relations after the two sides restored economic ties more than 30 years ago, and it will play a positive role in further promoting cross-Straits economic relations, according to a statement issued by the CCCME after the launch ceremony.

The CCCME Taipei branch aims to promote cross-Straits economic and trade exchanges and cooperation by assisting its members to deal with activities ranging from trade and investment to training and exhibitions. It also performs roles including coordinating trade disputes between the two sides, making market studies on various industries, and providing business consultations.

Zhang Juejing, CCCME president, said at the launch ceremony that the chamber's Taipei office will further deepen its cooperation with Taiwan's business circles, providing a platform for promoting exchange and development between enterprises of the two sides.