The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced Monday that major enterprises with annual turnover of NT$1 billion can double the number of Chinese businessmen they invite to Taiwan to 800. The new measure is aimed at giving impetus to the nation's convention and exhibition industry, the ministry said. Under existing regulations, domestic enterprises with turnover between NT$10 million and NT$30 million can invite 45 Chinese nationals to visit Taiwan per year, while those with turnover exceeding NT$30 million can invite 400 Chinese nationals. But to give fresh impetus to cross-strait trade and get more Chinese businessmen to visit Taiwan, the National Immigration Agency and the MOEA plan to let major businesses with annual turnover exceeding NT$1 billion to double the number of Chinese they can invite to 800. The measure is expected to be put into practice next year. The Board of Foreign Trade under the MOEA began this year to promote a four-year exhibition and convention industry development plan because of its high potential for added value in terms of benefits for the peripheral tourism, hospitality and insurance sectors. 