A focus on cultural exchange – building a platform for a deeper culture integration of Weifang and Taiwan

As part of Weifang's construction as a city with a rich cultural heritage, 14 measures have been formulated with a focus on cultural exchange to promote the in-depth exchange and integration of the cultural industries of Weifang and Taiwan.

The measures mainly support art funding projects and the creation of film and television works by Taiwan compatriots, encouragement of Taiwan artists and enterprises to exchange ideas and of Taiwan compatriots to apply for cultural awards, the recruitment of Taiwan teachers for entrepreneurship, as well as encouragement of Taiwan institutions to run schools and train talents. 

The purpose is to build a platform for a deeper integration of Weifang and Taiwan culture. Examples include encouraging literary and art workers in Taiwan to participate in the "City of Kites Culture Award" and other related literary and art selection activities, encouraging Taiwan artists to set up studios, and supporting participation by Taiwan cultural and art circles and individuals in the construction of the Weishui Cultural and Ecological Protection Zone.

A focus on innovation and entrepreneurship (E&I): making Weifang - Taiwan E&I Brands

In support of Weifang's construction as a vibrant city, 18 measures have been formulated with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship to promote equal treatment for studying, internships, employment, and entrepreneurship of Taiwan compatriots in Weifang.

The measures mainly help with studying, entrepreneurship, employment, and financial support for Taiwan students, participation of Taiwan people in the city's talent plans, and participation of Taiwan compatriots in vocational qualification examinations. They create a platform of entrepreneurship and employment and give development room to Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots.  

For instance, Taiwan college graduates with insufficient start-up funds can be provided with up to 200,000 yuan ($29,012) in business-guaranteed loans. The government grants a discount rate of up to three percentage points from the benchmark interest rate.

Small and micro enterprises established by Taiwan college graduates are eligible to apply for a maximum of 3 million yuan in business-guaranteed loans, to which the government gives a discount rate of 50 percent of the benchmark interest rate for the same period.

Taiwan professionals working in Weifang are encouraged to participate in the national "Thousand Talents Plan" and "Ten Thousand Talents Plan" and to apply to the City of Kites Industry Leading Talents and City of Kites Scholars programs, to which different levels of funding are provided.

A focus on the convenience of life: creating a soft environment for comfortable production and daily life

Nineteen measures have been formulated with a focus on life amenities to create a worry-free soft environment for Taiwan compatriots to live and work in Weifang.

The measures mostly involve the designation of Taiwan compatriots as honorary Weifang residents, simplification of the application and use of Taiwan documents, Taiwan compatriots' participation in trade unions and various social organizations, and other aspects including health care and retirement; the aim is a complete implementation of equal treatment of Taiwan compatriots as local residents.

For instance, Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots are encouraged to participate in the election of honorary citizens of Weifang City and attend the opening ceremonies of the municipal people's congress.

Electronic versions of the Mainland Travel Permits (MTP) for Taiwan Residents can be obtained within seven working days, making access to the mainland easier.

Taiwan compatriots living in the community are included within the scope of community service. Several high-quality medical and health institutions are identified in the city as Taiwan's designated medical service institutions, for which "green channels" are established.

Equal services including vaccinations, health education and guidance and chronic disease management are provided for Weifang residents and Taiwan compatriots in the city.

As the host city of the Shandong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Fair, Weifang has long been dedicated to creating a first-class environment for Taiwan with an open and inclusive mind.

The introduction of the 80 measures is believed to promote all-round exchanges and cooperation and to represent a new step towards a new level.

Weifang will also take the opportunity to accelerate the promotion of various measures so that their potential benefits for Taiwan take root and bear fruit. The city will render an excellent soft environment and sound support to advance exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan that will create a new industrialized, cultural and energetic highland for open development.