A man and a woman from both sides of the Taiwan Straits work together on a handicraft piece. [Photo/IC]

Fujian in East China is stepping moves to cut out the red tape for its Taiwan residents, who can have more island-issued job skills certificates recognized in the province amid easier processing procedures. 

Statistics from the Fujian Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security showed that a total of 237 Taiwan residents have come across the Straits to sit the vocational skills and qualification test in Fujian, of which 226 have obtained national certificates. 

Such tests, according to deputy director of the department Wu Xiaoying, were started in 2005 for candidates in the five areas of Chinese cooking, Western cooking, beauticians, hairdressers and automobile maintenance workers. 

Wu said further work had since continued, making comparisons easier between job certificates issued in Taiwan and in the Chinese mainland and seeking more common grounds on each side. 

She added that a more straightforward recognition system, which freed applicants from sitting theory and skills tests and taking comprehensive reviews, would soon be put into practice. 

Fang I-ju from Taiwan lauded the policy upgrade, saying it is a convenient way for Taiwan residents to seek working opportunities in Fujian, or starting up their own businesses there.