Cross-Strait tech ties blossoming

Entrepreneurs from across the Taiwan Strait emphasized leveraging technological innovation to promote industrial integration during an economic and trade exchange event held in Weifang, Shandong province on Tuesday.

The event saw six cooperation agreements signed between enterprises from Shandong and Taiwan provinces covering sectors such as eco-agriculture, new materials, e-commerce platforms and food processing.

Chiao Yu-Lon, chairman of Walsin Lihwa Corp, said technological innovation and industrial upgrading, particularly following the nation's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), have created new growth drivers, providing cooperation opportunities for enterprises from both sides of the Strait.

"The Chinese mainland's complete industrial structure and strong research and development capabilities provide a solid foundation," Chiao said, calling for entrepreneurs across the Strait to fully leverage their respective strengths to form a symbiotic industrial chain — a move that promises mutual benefits.

In recent years, Shandong has focused on major strategic initiatives like rural vitalization and replacing old growth drivers with new ones, such as modern agriculture and smart manufacturing. The province has continuously optimized services for Taiwan-based businesses, implemented policies benefiting Taiwan compatriots, and provided comprehensive support for students and youth from Taiwan seeking internships, employment and entrepreneurship in the province. By the end of June 2025, the province had approved a cumulative total of 9,907 Taiwan-invested projects.

Lee Chia-Ling, chairman of Heze Jahon Dehydrated Vegetables Co, came to Dingtao district of Heze in 2006 to set up a factory. Starting with a single dehydrated vegetable production line, her company has developed into a smart base for sorting dehydrated vegetables.

This June, the company invested 140 million yuan ($19.59 million) in an AI-powered automated production facility, which will be put into use next month.

Lee's company's annual production capacity has been maintained at over 30,000 metric tons, accounting for 25 percent of the dehydrated vegetable market in Shandong and over 5 percent of the national market, she said.

"I have been in Heze for almost 20 years and I really like the investment environment here," Lee said. "Now, I am more confident in pursuing agriculture."

Jointly organized by the Shandong Provincial People's Government and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the event aims to strengthen collaboration between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.