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Su stunned the island with his resignation, which came less than a week after he lost the ruling party's primary for next year's "presidential" election to Frank Hsieh Chang-ting, the former mayor of the southern city of Kaohsiung.
Chen called on the new "premier" to work on establishing closer cross-Straits economic ties and improved tourism links.
"I hope his rich knowledge and experience in dealing with the mainland will result in the opening of Taiwan visits by Chinese tourists and chartered cargo flights," Chen said.
Taiwan banned direct trade and transport exchanges with the mainland in 1949.
Tourist visits to the island by mainlanders are restricted, with entry permits issued only to Chinese nationals who are studying overseas, permanent residents of third countries or traveling on to other destinations.
Chen, who was first elected president in 2000, will retire next year after his second four-year term expires.
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