Xiamen's strengths benefit free trade zone

Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian province, has an unparalleled advantage in building a free trade zone given its talent pool and rich experience of innovative policies, Fujian Governor Su Shulin said.

In a Government Work Report, Su said the Fujian free trade zone, with its proximity to Taiwan, will focus on cross-Straits cooperation and enhance exchanges of goods and services.

"Xiamen should set a terrific example of strengthening cross-Straits ties through the free trade zone," Su said.

The Fujian free trade zone, which was approved in December and is scheduled to open in March, covers 118 square kilometers and includes the cities of Xiamen, Fuzhou and Pingtan.

More favorable policies should be implemented to attract Taiwan professionals by making their lives easier, said Chen Qiuxiong, director of the organization department of Xiamen's Party committee.

While Xiamen offers a platform, the talent from Taiwan will bring technological support for the city's goal of building a free trade zone, Chen added.

A recruitment event catering to Taiwan professionals will be held in March in Xiamen, highlighting sectors such as new energy, marine engineering and cultural and creative industries, according to the city's Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

According to the plan, Xiamen will recruit 300 Taiwan experts on management, science and research by 2020.

Yao Yuangen, a researcher at the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, suggested Xiamen make a foray into aircraft leasing and prepare for overseas financing of large-scale equipment.