Taiwan compatriots in Pingtan discuss "31 measures favoring Taiwan": more confidence in development within the Chinese mainland to be strengthened
“There is opportunity and development potential that can be found everywhere in Pingtan. Together with the introduction of the 31 measures favoring Taiwan, Pingtan is greatly attractive to Taiwanese students and young entrepreneurs, and we can also strengthen our confidence in development while in Pingtan,” Zhang Shufu, a Taiwan compatriot who works in Pingtan, said during our interview on the 8th of this month.
In the past few days, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and other departments issued and implemented Some Measures on Promoting Cross-Strait Economic and Cultural Exchanges and Cooperation, which has aroused heated discussions among Taiwanese employees and businessmen in Pingtan. Many Taiwanese compatriots stated that the introduction of these measures provides them with more convenience in starting their businesses, pursuing employment, and living in the mainland, which creates better conditions for them, enables them to strengthen their confidence in investing and starting a business, and provides a means for them to live and develop themselves further in the mainland.
In March 2016, Taiwanese businessman Chen Mengbang established CR Technology (Pingtan) Co. Ltd., an innovative semiconductor technology company, in Pingtan Taiwan Pioneer Park. According to Chen, the company secured a turnover of 20 million yuan last year and has obtained 8 national patents so far. He additionally receives a VAT refund specifically offered to Taiwanese-funded enterprises when they purchase equipment, subsides for some intellectual property from technology enterprises, loan support, and other related policies included in the 31 Measures Favoring Taiwan.
“I hope that the ‘31 Measures’ will attract more Taiwan-based companies to come to form an industry chain for a common development and accordingly reduce costs,” said Chen Mengbang, who also hopes that with the implementation of these measures favoring Taiwan, more young Taiwanese people can come to Pingtan to enjoy the benefits of the development of the Chinese mainland.
Liao Anjie, who had been in the film and television industry for many years in Taiwan, fell in love with Pingtan as soon as he came here in 2016 and initiated an idea of shooting a film that reflects local history and culture. What she is most concerned about are the articles concerning film and television culture found within the 31 Measures.
In her view, those policies stated in the 31 Measures, including those that “relax the restrictions on the ratio of cast and crew creative personnel, the requirements regarding mainland elements, investment proportions and other aspects when promoting cross-strait co-production films and television programs; cancel the charges for the application for cross-strait co-productions; and shorten the time frames of approval for the synopses of cross-strait co-production television programs during the project establishment stage” represent a great development opportunity for filmmakers who are new to the mainland. “I hope Taiwan’s filmmakers can achieve better results here in the future,” said Liao.
Quite a few Taiwanese compatriots in Pingtan told me that they hope Pingtan, serving as a pilot zone for continued relations with Taiwan, can help accelerate mainland China’s opening up to Taiwan, introduce more detailed rules and regulations, and propel innovation and service, enabling more Taiwanese youths to fit themselves into local life and work patterns.
Wu Lingfang, deputy head of the Taiwan Affairs Department for the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, revealed that Pingtan is exploring how to build an intelligent platform for serving Taiwanese compatriots, and if these compatriots should ever run into problems along the road of life, they can feel free to contact a dedicated window to help solve them.
