In the backdrop of the extensive construction of digital Fujian, the province is accelerating the pace of cross-Straits integration on the mobile internet, providing convenience for Taiwan compatriots to access services related to their first homeland.

Amid the overall development across the province, various regions in Fujian have witnessed the emergence of government service apps such as "Minzhengtong," "eFuzhou," and "iXiamen." These apps aim to make business transactions for enterprises and residents more convenient, faster, and efficient.

As the first homeland for Taiwan compatriots, Fujian has endeavored to integrate cross-Straits development into the mobile internet. In 2017, the first digital platform catering to Taiwan residents, Fujian “Dalutone" app, was launched on Pingtan Island, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan. This platform has evolved over seven years, expanding from providing governmental services such as information dissemination, license processing, and financial services to more lifestyle-oriented functions like cross-Straits travel packages, cross-Straits logistics and express delivery, and cross-Straits online shopping. It covers various needs such as clothing, food, housing, transportation, and shopping, allowing Taiwan compatriots to enjoy the convenience and discounts of their first homeland at their fingertips.

Facilitating Business from Across the Sea

Highly praised for its efficiency, the "Dalutone" app has become a go-to platform for Taiwan entrepreneurs and residents. The platform provides services ranging from applying for permits, professional qualifications, and business licenses to more life-oriented functions. Taiwan compatriots can seamlessly handle affairs related to the mainland while residing in Taiwan.

For instance, Ms. Gao, living in Taipei, received a call from the "Dalutone" customer service supervisor, informing her that her business license on Pingtan had been processed and was ready for pickup. Impressed by the swift service, Ms. Gao expressed her satisfaction, emphasizing the platform's convenience.

This service has streamlined the process of applying for business licenses on the mainland for Taiwan’s entrepreneurs. The traditional requirement of a personal visit, along with various supporting documents, has been simplified to a few clicks on the "Dalutone" app. The platform has proven to be particularly helpful for those engaging in cross-Straits trade, saving time and effort.

Across the Water, Swift Across Sea and Sky

Beyond governmental affairs, the needs of Taiwan compatriots in the mainland extend to daily life and work. To address these diverse needs, personalized and refined services are crucial.

Entrepreneur Xu Zhenzhen, leveraging the app, initiated a commercial live-streaming session in Fuzhou, showcasing local specialties and offering them through the 'Food Special Line' service. Targeting mainland e-commerce live-streaming opportunities, she has successfully achieved cross-border sales of quality mainland products.

To further facilitate cross-Straits Taiwan compatriots, the app introduced mainland-to-Taiwan express delivery services in 2022 and Taiwan-to-mainland express delivery services in 2023. This initiative has made cross-Straits parcel delivery as convenient as within mainland shipments.

"We've collaborated with several express delivery companies on both sides of the Straits, establishing more than 30,000 real-time order processing service points. Parcels move seamlessly between the two sides, ensuring efficient and timely delivery to Taiwan compatriots," explained Liu Xiangdong, the person in charge of "Dalutone."

Opening the app reveals sections for government services, logistics, travel, online shopping malls, entrepreneurship, job hunting, and school searching, catering to the diverse needs of Taiwan compatriots. By integrating resources, the app has launched various 'Internet+' services to enhance user experience.

The introduction of sea-air intermodal services within the app has significantly reduced travel costs for Taiwan compatriots. Chen Xiaoting, a frequent user, highlighted the convenience and affordability of sea-air intermodal round-trip tickets between Fuzhou and Taipei. This has brought families closer together, making travel considerate and convenient.

To further facilitate Taiwan compatriots, "Dalutone" offers ticket purchasing and shopping services, allowing users to choose between RMB and New Taiwan Dollar. As of now, over 10,000 Taiwanese compatriots have enjoyed the sea-air intermodal ticket services through the platform, with cross-Straits express delivery companies delivering more than 100,000 parcels.

Digital Services Enhancing Cross-Straits Ties

As digital technology advances, platforms like "Dalutone" play a crucial role in bridging cross-Straits connections. Other government apps such as "Minzhengtong" and "eFuzhou" have also introduced dedicated sections for Taiwan compatriots, offering information, policy interpretations, qualification approvals, document applications, and online notarization services.

Moreover, various industries have launched specialized digital products to cater to the needs of Taiwan residents. For example, the Fujian High People's Court established the mainland's first judicial service network and mobile app dedicated to Taiwan-related legal services. Xiamen Bank introduced the first online automated approval credit consumer loan product exclusively for Taiwan compatriots. Additionally, online service halls and WeChat official accounts have launched channels for Taiwan youth to apply for entrepreneurship and employment subsidies.

To promote comprehensive integration and development, Fujian aims to expand its digital services by collaborating with other regions within the province. For example, "Dalutone" plans to cooperate with "iXiamen" to provide online business transactions and employment assistance for over 100,000 Taiwan compatriots in Xiamen.

The release of the "Opinions on Supporting Fujian to Explore a New Path for Cross-Straits Integrated Development and Building a Demonstration Zone for Cross-Straits Integrated Development" by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council in September 2022 serves as a catalyst for the province. The goal is to connect various governmental service platforms and industry-specific channels, extending the reach of digital services and making them more accessible for Taiwan compatriots.