If there are cross-Strait initiatives that help Taiwan lower trade barriers and reduce protectionism, it would be beneficial to U.S.-Taiwan trade, Chris Castro, chief of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Kaohsiung Branch Office, said Friday. Asked to comment on the proposed economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) between Taiwan and China, Castro stressed that 'ECFA is an issue for Taiwan and the PRC to decide, and AIT won't interfere. 'We support any cross-Strait initiative which improves peaceful cross-Strait exchange,' he said. Some local politicians in southern Taiwan have expressed concern over the possible negative impact the framework agreement will have on certain industries after it is signed and Taiwan's market is more open to Chinese products. But Castro said that if an ECFA is signed, 'I hope leaders in the south will find the best means possible to pursue new economic opportunities while protecting vulnerable groups.' 