Taiwan enterprises and compatriots have widely applauded 12 new benefit-oriented measures introduced by southeast China's Fujian Province on Tuesday to promote cross-Strait integration, seeing them as a boost to their development confidence in the Chinese mainland.
This marks the latest batch of measures unveiled by the Chinese mainland to promote integrated development across the Strait since the decision in September 2023 to establish Fujian as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integration.
The measures include launching an intelligent tax platform for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises, setting up a dedicated tax service consultation hotline for them, and organizing a series of special service events focused on Taiwan-related tax matters.
The implementation of these policies will enable enterprises in Fujian's Xiamen City to complete tax procedures entirely through online filing and receive expert assistance when encountering tax-related difficulties.
Taiwan enterprises and residents have described the measures as “timely rain,” expressing appreciation for Fujian’s commitment and care toward the development of Taiwan-funded businesses.
"The new measures are highly practical and beneficial for Taiwan enterprises. The intelligent tax service platform offers 188 online services, covering the full process for 48 types of taxes and fees, delivering 'zero-contact, one-stop' tax services [for us]. This greatly streamlines procedures and saves time and labor costs," said You Jinfeng, a tax specialist of a Xiamen-based company, CB-CERATIZIT Group.
The measures also include the introduction of a "ticket cancellation insurance" service for passengers traveling on the "mini-three-links" ferry route between Xiamen and Kinmen County of China's Taiwan region. If a ticket is canceled due to reasons covered by the insurance, a full refund will be initiated to reduce the passengers' financial losses.
"Now, if we have bought insurance, we don't have to worry about any emergencies. It gives us an extra layer of protection without having to pay additional fees," said Chang Hsi Ai, a Taiwan compatriot in Xiamen.
The benefit-oriented measures also explicitly support Taiwan compatriots in opening Shaxian Delicacies outlets on the mainland.
Originating in a rural county in Sanming, Fujian Province, Shaxian Delicacies has evolved from a humble street food into a nationwide phenomenon, with outlets now spanning China and earning recognition as a celebrated culinary specialty on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan compatriots who open Shaxian Delicacies outlets in Taiwan will receive a one-time subsidy of 5,000 yuan (about 708 U.S. dollars). Additionally, Sanming will grant 200 offers annually for young people from Taiwan to attend free vocational training covering 14 skill categories, including Shaxian Delicacies techniques, Chinese culinary arts, and short video production.
"Both sides of the Strait have their own distinct characteristics and strengths in culinary techniques and flavor innovation, sharing a common desire to learn from each other and improve together. This policy of further expanding communication channels effectively promotes the integrated innovation of specialty cuisines across the Strait," said Wu Jiancheng, vice mayor of Sanming city.
Taiwan businesses, residents voice support for new cross-Strait integration measures
