Fujian county's rural development becomes a big draw for Taiwan investors

An actor performs the Taiwan people's longing for their hometowns in Fujian during a forum on cross-Strait rural cooperation in Sanming, Fujian province. [Photo by Zhang Yi/chinadaily.com.cn]

Sanming in Fujian province, known for its lush landscapes and high forest coverage of 78 percent, has emerged as a hot destination for cross-Strait collaboration in rural development, attracting a growing number of Taiwan investors.

The city hosted a major cross-Strait rural development forum from Thursday to Sunday, drawing over 400 Taiwan participants. This event, part of the annual Strait Forum, highlighted Sanming's commitment to fostering economic and cultural ties between the two sides.

In recent years, Sanming has seen remarkable progress in integrating Taiwan expertise with local resources. The city has welcomed 106 new Taiwan-invested enterprises, with a total investment of 801 million yuan ($112 million), and established 12 bases for Fujian-Taiwan agricultural integration.

Additionally, 30 Taiwan countryside development teams and over 80 professionals in architecture and cultural creativity went to Sanming to work on 72 rural projects.

In Jianning county, Taiwan entrepreneur Lin Hsiu-ying founded an oil tea camellia cooperative, bringing Taiwan's skills and employing local workers. The initiative has increased the income of 112 local households by over 4,000 yuan per person.

Lin said that he would get financial support by introducing new varieties, equipment, and talent, and the mainland's policies have significantly boosted his confidence and motivation in his businesses in Sanming.