Are you sure what you are talking? During Chens time, Taiwan economy performance is the worst. That's why he loses the businessman support and most Taiwanese support which result in landslide victory for Ma..
Cross strait trading is inevitable. Mainland tourist has huge spending power. The close proximity also faciliate Taiwanese business investment to flourish in mainland. Finally not to mention the huge mainland market. Just China market alone is enough to make you a super billionaire. Ask Jack ma will do.
During his presidency, Taiwan's GDP/ cap had increased massively: