2. The Current Indirect, Two-way and Partial State of the "Three Direct Links" Has Impeded the Exchanges and Contacts Between Compatriots and the Development of Economic and Trade Cooperation Across the Straits.
Mail
Cross-Straits postal parcels have to be delivered via Hong Kongor Macao. Postal business is of a limited scope, and parcel post, small parcel post, remittance and express delivery services still remain unopened.
Transport
Direct shipping and flight are still unavailable. Cross-Straitstravelers therefore have to transit via a third place such as Macao or Hong Kong. Cross-Straits cargos are ineligible for trial direct shipping, and have to be transshipped via a third place such as Hong Kong or Japan. Here arises the curious phenomenon of "cross-Straits cargo ships bringing in no cargos and arriving cargos not being brought by cargo ships."
Trade
The mainland market has been completely opened to Taiwan enterprises and commodities, while the mainland's exported commodities are subject to many discriminatory restrictions in Taiwan. Many of the mainland's advantageous commodities that are in high demand in Taiwan can find no access to the island. Mainland enterprises are not allowed to invest in Taiwan, or to set up their necessary business agencies there. It is difficult for mainland enterprises to hold or attend economic and trade exhibitions and business talks in Taiwan. And the mainland's businesspeople face many restrictions on investigation tours of orvisits to Taiwan.
