Taipei - Some 70 per cent of Taiwanese top executives are optimistic about Taiwan's economy after pro-China incoming president Ma Ying-jeou is sworn in on May 20, a survey showed on Wednesday.

According to the Commonwealth magazine's poll of the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Taiwan's top-1,000 enterprises, 70 per cent of the CEOs are optimistic about the Taiwan's economic recovery after Ma's inauguration, 45 per cent believe Taiwan's competitiveness will improve and 40 per cent will increase investment in Taiwan.

The survey showed that most Taiwan enterprises believe that Ma's promise to open trade with China will benefit Taiwan companies because China is not only the world's largest production base, but also the world's largest consumer market and a top science and technology research centre.

While 60 per cent of the CEOs said they will maintain their current policies towards China, 27 per cent said they will boost investment in China.

When asked about their overseas investment plans excluding China, most of the CEOs said they will increase investment in Vietnam.

Taiwan's economy has deteriorated in recent years due to the island's five-decade ban on trade with China. But incoming President Ma has promised to open trade and air/sea links with China to promote cross-Strait peace and to revitalize Taiwan's economy.

Ma has also promised to open the door to Chinese tourists, starting with allowing 3,000 Chinese tourists to enter Taiwan each day. (dpa)