TAIPEI - Capital flowing from the Chinese mainland into Taiwan increased by 650.11 percent last year over that in 2011, according to statistics released by Taiwan's economic authorities on Monday.

A total of 138 investment projects funded by mainland capital in Taiwan were approved by the island's economic authorities in 2012, an increase of 35.29 percent year-on-year, the Taiwan authorities said.

They involved a total amount of $328 million. Major projects funded by mainland capital included the establishment of Bank of China and Bank of Communications branches in Taiwan.

Since mainland capital was allowed to enter the island on June 30, 2009, 342 investment projects have been approved, the authorities said.

Taiwan investment in the mainland dropped by 16.61 percent year-on-year to reach $10.9 billion last year.

Taiwan export orders reached $441 billion last year, their highest level in history, the authorities said.

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