A news conference honoring the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is held in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, Sept 3. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xiamen is exploring a new path of integrated development between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, deepening cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, and striving to build a demonstration area of cross-Straits integrated development, said Zhuang Jiahan, mayor of Xiamen.

Zhuang made the remarks at a news conference honoring the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which was held in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, Sept 3.

Statistics show that, at present, Xiamen has approved nearly 7,500 Taiwan-funded projects, and the actual use of Taiwan investment exceeds $11 billion. The output value of Taiwan-funded industrial enterprises accounts for 33 percent of the city's total industrial output value.

In 2018, the export and import trade value between Xiamen and Taiwan amounted to 40 billion yuan ($5.62 billion), accounting for 50.6 percent of Fujian's total.

Zhuang also pointed out that Xiamen implements preferential policies for Taiwan, making sure that Taiwan compatriots get equal treatment in business registration, vocational qualification certification, housing, social security, school attendance and other aspects.

At present, there are 120,000 Taiwan people living in Xiamen. By the end of 2018, 2,525 Taiwan students (including at universities, middle schools, primary schools and kindergartens) were studying in Xiamen.

Zhuang added that Xiamen has become an important channel for cross-Strait exchanges.

The ferry route between Xiamen and Jinmen in Taiwan operates 36 trips every day, carrying more than 5,000 passengers. Also, the Xiamen-Taiwan direct air route operates 32 flights per week, with at least four flights per day.