Fujian province is set to further its role as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development to bolster economic ties and share growth opportunities with Taiwan compatriots during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, according to an official.

Jiang Erxiong, vice-governor of Fujian, made the remarks at a news conference on Friday in the provincial capital Fuzhou, noting that the province has led the Chinese mainland in the number of newly established Taiwan-funded enterprises and the actual use of Taiwan capital for four consecutive years.

Currently, more than 60 of Taiwan's top 100 companies have invested in the province, Jiang said, adding that to further empower these businesses, the province will establish a specialized cross-Strait industrial fund and support Taiwan firms to list on the mainland.

She underscored that Fujian would focus on deepening collaboration in strategic sectors, transitioning traditional fields of Taiwan businesses like electronics and petrochemicals toward joint research and development and co-branding of the two sides.

Meanwhile, she added, Fujian is eyeing expanded cooperation in emerging industries including artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, and wellness tourism.

"Fujian and Taiwan share a profound and enduring bond," she said, welcoming more Taiwan compatriots and entrepreneurs to explore the province to seek cooperation.

Attracted by the vast mainland market, Chen Yi-mei moved from Taoyuan to Fuzhou in 2017 with a team of Taiwan bakers. She founded a bakery brand and established a factory that now employs 50 people. Her business flourished through a partnership with a popular local e-commerce platform, and the company now generates 50 million yuan ($7.35 million) in annual revenue.

"The highly developed e-commerce and shared culinary tastes between Fujian and Taiwan are major advantages for my business," Chen said.

She added that Fujian's supportive measures for young entrepreneurs, such as renovation subsidies and rent-free periods, are extremely friendly to youth from Taiwan who wish to start their own businesses.

Chen's eldest daughter, who just turned 18, has already utilized these benefits to open her own bakery in Fuzhou. She plans to attend Fuzhou University after graduating from high school in Taiwan this year, having grown fond of the mainland through frequent visits since childhood.

"Our family plans to settle in Fuzhou, as my children truly identify this city as their home," Chen said.

More people from Taiwan have been seeking opportunities in Fujian in recent years, especially since the central government launched policies in 2023 to support Fujian's exploration of cross-Strait integration.

To reinforce the momentum, a joint meeting was held in Beijing on Friday by the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the National Development and Reform Commission, central Party and State organs, and Fujian provincial authorities to review progress and discuss future priorities.

Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, called for more efforts in cross-Strait integrated development in Fujian, promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advancing national reunification.