The third session of the 14th Fujian Provincial People's Congress was commenced in Fuzhou, capital of East China's Fujian province, on Jan 13.

The Fujian government work report introduced practical measures to advance cross-Strait integration and to expedite the building of a demonstration zone for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait.

Efforts are now underway to foster a collaborative environment for shared growth, ensuring comprehensive support for Taiwan compatriots in Fujian regarding employment, healthcare, housing, elderly care and social assistance.

This includes broadening opportunities for Taiwan students, recognizing professional qualifications from Taiwan directly and encouraging active engagement in local governance, rural development, legal construction and more.

In cultivating a close-knit community, there is a focus on easing market access for Taiwan enterprises and enhancing cross-Strait logistics infrastructure.

Initiatives aim to enhance connectivity in water, electricity, gas and transportation between coastal regions in Fujian and Kinmen and Matsu, fostering the "same-city living circles" in Xiamen-Kinmen and Fuzhou-Matsu, as well as nurturing a unified vision for integrated development among Taiwan compatriots.

To establish an emotionally resonant connection, leveraging ancestral cultural strengths is paramount. This involves promoting Fujian-Taiwan historical and cultural heritage, organizing key events like the Straits Forum and Straits Youth Day, facilitating exchanges in education, law, healthcare, technology, sports and tourism, and encouraging Taiwan youth and grassroots individuals to explore Fujian, while strengthening familial, regional and cultural ties.

Last year, Fujian welcomed 3,859 young Taiwan individuals for internships, jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, engaged 28 Taiwan teams in rural development projects and led in Fujian-Taiwan vocational cooperation between enterprises and vocational schools and colleges. Taiwan's business establishment and investment scale ranked top in the Chinese mainland, with an annual passenger flow of 1.2 million on the Mini Three Links passenger routes.