yih has confirmed that a landmark China-bound investment project worth $3 billion (US) has passed much of the government screening procedure, local media reported Sunday. Wu's remarks suggest that the project proposed by the island's leading flat-screen manufacturer AU Optronics Corp. would soon receive the government's go-ahead, the Commercial Times said. The premier said the project had been submitted to the Investment Commission to “go through the rubberstamp procedure,” the paper reported.“No delay has been made.” The Times said the Investment Commission was expected to officially approve the project before the month's end. The project, which was submitted to the government eight months ago, proposes the construction of a liquid crystal display plant in China's eastern Kunshan city. The plan has drawn special attention as it is seen by many as a barometer of the government's relaxation of long-standing restrictions on high-tech investment by local companies in China. Taipei relaxed the rules earlier this year, but local high-tech firms such as AU Optronics still need to keep more advanced technologies at home when applying to invest in China. – Agence France
