Fujian vows to advance cross-Strait business ties

Fujian province plans to further push for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait by creating more business opportunities for Taiwan enterprises, so that people from both sides of the Strait can benefit from the nation's development, a senior provincial official said on Monday.

It is easier than ever for Taiwan compatriots to live, work and do business in Fujian, and they find their life in the province very convenient and comfortable, said Guo Ningning, vice-governor of Fujian.

"We have introduced a series of policies to ensure Taiwan compatriots and enterprises are treated equally in all respects as the locals, so that they can equally enjoy the opportunities for development," Guo said in Beijing at a news conference on Fujian's high-quality development, held by the State Council Information Office.

Last year, more than 2,100 Taiwan-funded enterprises were set up in Fujian, marking a significant year-on-year increase. Also, total investment from Taiwan that was put into use in the province in 2023 exceeded 7 billion yuan ($968 million), twice the figure in the previous year, Guo said.

She said the provincial government will launch a series of projects to help Taiwan businesses better cooperate with local enterprises and take root in Fujian. "In this way, Taiwan people can also enjoy the fruits of the development of the Chinese mainland."

After cross-Strait passenger services via air and sea were fully restored, Taiwan compatriots made more than 573,000 trips from the island to Fujian in 2023, greatly boosting cross-Strait exchanges, she added.

"More than 80 percent of people in Taiwan have ancestral roots in Fujian. We particularly wish to invite more of them who have never visited the mainland to visit Fujian first. We hope that they, by meeting their relatives and sightseeing, can gain a better understanding of Fu-jian and the mainland. I am sure they will feel the strong ties between people on both sides of the Strait," Guo said.

In Fujian, private enterprises contribute to 70 percent of the province's GDP and provide more than 80 percent of job opportunities. The province will continue to support the growth of private enterprises, she said.

"Currently, one out of every three pieces of automotive glass worldwide is manufactured in Fujian, and one out of every five pairs of sports shoes is made in Fujian. In addition, the province's market share of new energy vehicle power batteries ranks first globally," Guo said.

While helping larger private enterprises become more innovative and competitive, the provincial government will also support the establishment of small and micro private enterprises, which are also key to helping Fujian achieve high-quality development, she added.