Zeng Yizhan from Taiwan set a bold target of selling 100 million waxberry pastries within a year during a recent side event of the 2024 Zhejiang-Taiwan Cooperation Week in Ningbo, which showcases a harmonious blend of cross-Strait collaboration and culinary innovation.

Zeng got involved with waxberry-based delicacies in 2019, leveraging Taiwan's agricultural processing technology to create innovative treats with Ningbo's renowned waxberry fruits.

"By combining Taiwan's technology with Ningbo's waxberry and market, we aim for mutual benefit and success," Zeng said at the event.

His team has diversified their offerings, crafting over 20 waxberry-infused products ranging from pastries and cakes to tangyuan, smoothies, and iced teas. They've also introduced hands-on workshops, enhancing the immersive experience for customers.

"We've married Taiwan's food science know-how with Ningbo's exquisite yangmei to create a truly mouthwatering product line," Li exclaimed with enthusiasm. His innovative approach has resulted in a diverse range of yangmei delicacies, spanning from delectable pastries to tangy jams and even hands-on workshops where customers can craft their own sweet creations.

Ningbo has become a hub for Taiwan investment and entrepreneurship. Over the years, the city has welcomed over 3,000 Taiwanese-funded enterprises, with over 1,000 still operational and contributing to the local economy. This strong Taiwanese presence is evident in the numerous collaborations and partnerships forged between Ningbo and leading Taiwan companies across various industries.

Zeng's endeavor is just one example of the thriving Taiwan business presence in Ningbo. Since the first Taiwan enterprise set up operations in the city in 1989, over 3,000 projects have been approved, with over 1,000 still operational, totaling nearly $30 billion in investment. Ningbo boasts the highest concentration of Taiwan investments in Zhejiang.

During the recent Ningbo event of the Zhejiang-Taiwan Cooperation Week, a flurry of agreements was signed, with 20 projects valued at over 5.8 billion yuan ($797 million), underscoring the deepening cooperation between Taiwan and Ningbo. Trade figures also underscore the robust relationship, with Ningbo importing over 41.61-billion-yuan-worth of goods from Taiwan in 2023.

Ningbo's strategic location, cultural affinity, and supportive policies have played a pivotal role in attracting investment and talent from Taiwan.

As Ningbo solidifies its ties with Taiwan, it strives to create more avenues for industrial synergy, youth exchanges, and cultural integration. This endeavor not only bolsters the local economy but also contributes to the broader goal of promoting peace, development, and unity across the Strait.