With the continuous advancement of cross-Strait integrated development, an increasing number of young people from Taiwan are choosing to pursue careers and start businesses in Fujian province, injecting fresh momentum into cultural and economic exchanges.

Fujian authorities have rolled out 74 policy measures in five batches over the past three years to promote integrated development with Taiwan, following the mainland's announcement of pioneering supportive guidelines during the 15th Straits Forum in June 2023, the largest annual grassroots cross-Strait exchange platform.

Fueled by the incentives and the expansion of the cross-Strait travel network, passenger travel has reached historic highs. In 2025, Taiwan visitor arrivals through Fujian ports hit a record 1.04 million, nearly doubling from the 573,000 arrivals recorded in 2023, according to official data.

On the economic front, more than 7,100 new Taiwan-funded enterprises were established in Fujian during the three-year period, the highest growth among mainland provinces, according to local authorities.

Huang Hsun-shu, a Taiwan entrepreneur, operates the Cross-Strait Industrial Live Broadcast Base in Pingtan's Taiwan Town, where a variety of Taiwan products are sold. Situated just 68 nautical miles from Taiwan, Pingtan serves as a commercial bridgehead and has introduced a range of pioneering policies.

"Logistics speed is the absolute lifeline of cross-region e-commerce," Huang said, pointing to the direct routes operated by express ferries linking the two sides. "Our core goal is to drive economic development, create local jobs, and attract young Taiwan people to experience the mainland market through live broadcasting."

To facilitate employment and professional development for Taiwan residents on the mainland, Fujian now directly recognizes 72 types of vocational qualifications from Taiwan and has issued more than 6,300 credential certificates. Taiwan compatriots can apply for certification at a service center in Pingtan and its subcenters in other mainland cities.

The convenience measures are attracting young Taiwan professionals from a wide range of industries, including sports.

Yang Yao-tse, a baseball coach from Taiwan, moved to Pingtan to work as around 300 schools in Fujian have introduced baseball courses.

"Because we host so many tournaments in Pingtan, our students gain match opportunities to hone their skills," he said, adding that he hopes more Taiwan athletes can come to Pingtan for sports exchanges.

The 18th Straits Forum will open on Saturday in Xiamen, Fujian province, attracting broad participation from grassroots Taiwan residents. A youth forum opened on Friday, where young people shared their experiences on the mainland.

Chen Zhiyong, deputy director of the forum's organizing committee office, said at a news conference on Friday that regardless of how the cross-Strait situation changes, the forum's original aspiration to promote people-to-people exchanges and deepen integration has remained unchanged.

"Peace, development, exchange, and cooperation remain the main stream public opinion among compatriots on both sides," Chen said, adding that exchanges have maintained strong momentum as people on both sides seek to break down barriers and share development opportunities.