China to leverage Fujian's advantages to boost cross-Strait ties

China will adopt a raft of policy measures to leverage Fujian province's unique advantages, promote cross-Strait integration and explore new avenues for development in the economic and trade sectors, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The guideline, released on Monday, aims to strengthen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, facilitate closer economic ties, and support Taiwan businesses in better integrating into the new development paradigm, the ministry said.

Fujian will be supported to harness its pilot free trade zone and pioneer various measures for exploring cross-Strait economic cooperation, and the province is encouraged to leverage the rules outlined in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and strengthen investment attraction efforts from Taiwan, according to the guideline.

Support will be channeled to Fujian to promote construction of the experimental zone for cross-Strait cooperation in integrated circuit industry. Meanwhile, the province will place great emphasis on the development of key functional zones to facilitate the concentrated development of Taiwan's advantageous industries, it said.

Fujian will take steps to further enhance trade facilitation with Taiwan, aiming to establish itself as a key trade hub and explore new avenues of service trade cooperation, the guideline said.

The guideline was issued by the ministry, along with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.