The exhibition area of Fuzhou and Matsu share a common home in the 26th CFET. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

The 26th Cross-Strait Fair for Economy and Trade (CFET) kicked off in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian, on May 16. During the opening ceremony, Fuzhou announced the first batch of policies aimed at creating a so-called "convenient life cycle" between Fuzhou and Matsu in Taiwan, facilitating and supporting Fuzhou-Matsu industrial cooperation, and boosting employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Matsu residents in Fuzhou.

The initial set of policies consists of 10 measures, including:

Facilitating the establishment of Fuzhou-Matsu Industrial Cooperation Parks, with Fuzhou committing an annual fund of 100 million yuan ($13.84 billion) to bolster the growth of Matsu enterprises within these parks.

Supporting the establishment of a cross-Strait trade distribution center in Matsu aimed at enhancing maritime freight routes between Mawei and Matsu, as well as Huangqi and Matsu. To this end, Fuzhou will provide an annual subsidy of 40 million yuan.

Ensuring that Matsu residents enjoy educational benefits equivalent to those of local Fuzhou residents, including the opportunity for Matsu high school students to enroll in Fuzhou's municipal universities qualified to admit Taiwan students.

Promoting the direct recognition of professional qualifications from Taiwan and establishing a service window in Lianjiang to cater to Taiwan residents in Matsu and other regions.

Encouraging Matsu residents to purchase real estate in Fuzhou, granting them access to Fuzhou's housing purchase and loan policies, with Fujian Haixia Bank offering a dedicated one-billion-yuan preferential loan quota to support Matsu residents.

Encouraging the establishment of a high-end health management center in Matsu to promote health tourism among Fuzhou residents, facilitated by the issuance of health and travel consumption vouchers.

Actively promoting the establishment of a cross-Strait integration and collaborative mechanism between Fuzhou New Area and Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Area to achieve integrated and high-quality development.

Supporting the sale of local Matsu products in Fuzhou, with rewards for eligible sales enterprises.

Streamlining the application process for the "Fuzhou-Matsu City Pass" to provide Matsu residents with discounts across various aspects of life in Fuzhou, including housing, healthcare, education, and transportation, through an enhanced and expanded online application system.