The construction of Haixi Economic Zone also is a huge concern in Taiwan. Yunlin, the biggest agricultural city in Taiwan, expects a smooth transportation and transaction of agricultural products across the straits. The export of fresh agricultural products to the mainland takes up 1/3 of its total sales volume. Haixi will provide more business opportunities to them as they are eager to enter the mainland market and branch out their business.

Decades ago, over 800,000 locals left Fuzhou for Taiwan. Today, they are coming back. By the end of 2008, 9718 Taiwan-funded projects were approved by Fujian government with a paid-in capital of 14.179 billion US dollars. In addition, Taiwan has become the largest importer of Fujian products and its fourth biggest trade partner.

Fuzhou also unveiled its strategy to boost Fuzhou-Taiwan economic cooperation.

According to the plan, Fuzhou will relax restrictions on Taiwan investment in the city, increase land use for Fuzhou-Taiwan cooperation, and strengthen Taiwan-related trade associations.

Admittedly, it needs cooperation from all the parties to get any movement in this huge project. Haixi, as an emergent business attraction, is expected to become an engine to carry the exchange between the both sides of Taiwan Straits to a more fruitful level.

By Xu Xinlei