During a press conference organized by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Fujian Provincial Committee on Dec 17, officials outlined Fujian's efforts to build an integrated cross-Strait development demonstration zone.

Efforts to promote cross-Strait social integration

Over the past decade, Fujian has implemented a comprehensive series of policies aimed at improving the well-being of Taiwan compatriots. It has introduced three sets of 45 policies to foster mutual development and integration between Fujian and Taiwan.

Fujian allows Taiwan compatriots to register and log in to the Minzhengtong app upon their arrival in the province. The platform enables them to access government services conveniently. It has processed nearly a thousand service items in the past three months.

The province has also actively facilitated the use of residence permits for Taiwan residents, enhancing application scenarios and streamlining facilitation measures in areas such as children's education, housing rentals, and social security processing.

Efforts to promote cross-Strait economic integration

In the past decade, economic and trade cooperation between Fujian and Taiwan has deepened. The province has nearly doubled the number of Taiwan-funded enterprises, with Taiwan investment exceeding $10 billion. To date, Fujian has established 36 economic zones related to Taiwan and secured approval for eight national-level Taiwan farmer entrepreneurship parks.

Fujian has led the way in establishing direct sea and air connections with major ports in Taiwan, with new sea and air routes opening regularly. Over the past 10 years, approximately 20 million Taiwan compatriots have visited Fujian, with this year's passenger volume exceeding 1 million through the "Mini Three Links".

Efforts to promote emotional integration among compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait

Over the past decade, Fujian has consistently organized nearly 300 significant cross-Strait exchange activities each year, nurturing continued family connections and local friendships, while fostering cultural exchanges and forming a comprehensive brand system including Minnan, Hakka, and Mazu culture. The Straits Forum has attracted over 60,000 Taiwan participants in the last decade, becoming the largest civil exchange activity between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Efforts to build a new pattern of integrated development across the region

Over the past decade, Fujian has continually explored new spaces, areas, and practices for cross-Strait integration. It is expediting the development of the "same-city living circle" between Fuzhou and Matsu, as well as between Xiamen and Kinmen. Fuzhou has introduced the Fuzhou-Matsu City Pass, and the initial set of 10 policies for the "same-city living circle" between Fuzhou and Matsu has been released.

Next, Fujian will accelerate the development of a cross-Strait integration demonstration zone.