As cross-Strait integration continues to advance, an increasing number of young people from Taiwan are choosing Fujian province to pursue careers and entrepreneurship, contributing to strengthened cultural and economic ties between the mainland and Taiwan.

Over the past three years, Fujian authorities have implemented 74 policy measures in five phases aimed at promoting integrated development with Taiwan, following the mainland’s release of supportive guidelines at the 15th Straits Forum in June 2023. This forum serves as the largest annual grassroots platform for cross-Strait exchanges.

These measures, combined with expanded travel networks, have led to historic levels of passenger flow between Taiwan and Fujian. Official data shows that in 2025, arrivals of Taiwan visitors through Fujian ports reached 1.04 million, almost doubling the 573,000 arrivals recorded in 2023.

Economically, the region has experienced significant growth in Taiwan investment. Over 7,100 new Taiwan-funded enterprises were established in Fujian during the three-year period, marking the highest growth rate among mainland provinces.

One notable example is the Cross-Strait Industrial Live Broadcast Base in Pingtan’s Taiwan Town, operated by Taiwan entrepreneur Huang Hsun-shu. Located just 68 nautical miles from Taiwan, Pingtan acts as a commercial bridgehead between the two sides and has introduced innovative policies to support cross-Strait commerce. Huang highlighted the importance of logistics efficiency, citing express ferry routes as vital to cross-regional e-commerce development. His operation focuses on driving local economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting young Taiwan professionals to the mainland market through live broadcasting platforms.

To facilitate employment and professional development for Taiwanese residents, Fujian now recognizes 72 categories of vocational qualifications from Taiwan, having issued over 6,300 certification certificates. Taiwan compatriots can apply for these certifications at a service center in Pingtan and several subcenters across the mainland. This system has attracted young professionals from various sectors, including sports.

Taiwanese baseball coach Yang Yao-tse relocated to Pingtan as the sport gains popularity locally, with around 300 schools in Fujian now offering baseball courses. He noted that frequent tournaments hosted in Pingtan provide valuable competitive experience for students and expressed hope that more Taiwan athletes will participate in sports exchanges there.

The 18th Straits Forum is scheduled to open Saturday in Xiamen, Fujian, and has drawn wide participation from grassroots Taiwan residents. A youth forum began on Friday, featuring discussions where young attendees shared their experiences on the mainland.

At a news conference on Friday, Chen Zhiyong, deputy director of the forum’s organizing committee office, stressed that despite evolving cross-Strait relations, the forum remains committed to fostering people-to-people exchanges and deepening integration. Chen affirmed that peace, development, exchange, and cooperation continue to be the prevailing public sentiments among populations on both sides, underscoring sustained momentum in efforts to dismantle barriers and expand shared development opportunities.