Pingtan, a picturesque island in China's Fujian province as well as the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, has emerged as a beacon of convenience and inclusivity for Taiwan compatriots, thanks to a series of innovative initiatives designed to streamline services and bridge the gap between the two sides. These measures not only facilitate daily life for Taiwan compatriots in Pingtan but also deepen the bonds of friendship and understanding between both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Streamlining Services with 'Two Certificates Mutual Recognition'

At the forefront of these efforts is the "two certificates mutual recognition" policy, a groundbreaking initiative introduced by Pingtan earlier this year. This policy allows Taiwan compatriots to conduct business and administrative procedures using either their Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents or the Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents of the People's Republic of China, eliminating the need to carry both documents.

"I recently renewed my chef's license with great ease," said Yuan Qingyang, a Taiwan resident in Pingtan. "With the 'two certificates mutual recognition,' I only needed to bring my residence permit, making the process much more convenient."

Kang Xiaobing, technical director of Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone's Administrative Service Center, explained that this policy is the result of extensive technical cooperation and data sharing between various government agencies. "We have successfully integrated Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents verification interfaces, enabling seamless services for our Taiwan residents," he said.

Innovative Platforms for Effortless Transactions

Further enhancing the convenience for Taiwan compatriots, Pingtan has launched the Taiwan-oriented Integrated Government Service Platform, a one-stop solution for a wide range of administrative tasks. "Taiwan residents can now access over 52 common government services, including medical insurance and business registration, simply by logging into the Minzhengtong (Fujian Government Service) app or presenting their residence permit," Kang added.

Moreover, the introduction of a 24-hour self-service kiosk in the Cross-Straits Xinyuan Community (a living quarter specialized for Taiwan compatriots in Pingtan) has further reduced the need for in-person visits, allowing Taiwan compatriots to conduct transactions anytime, anywhere.

Boosting Entrepreneurship and Employment Opportunities

Pingtan's commitment to Taiwan compatriots extends beyond administrative convenience. The island has also pioneered a comprehensive system for recognizing and credentialing professional qualifications from Taiwan, enabling seamless integration into the local job market.

"I opened a dessert shop here after discovering Pingtan's vast market potential and favorable policies for Taiwan entrepreneurs," said Liu Ye, a businessperson from Taiwan. "The online business registration process was incredibly smooth, and I received my license without any hassle."

Since the launch of the fully online business registration service, over 278 Taiwan-funded enterprises have registered in Pingtan, covering sectors such as catering and interior design.

Cultivating a Harmonious Living Environment

Pingtan's initiatives have not only streamlined administrative procedures but also created a warm and welcoming community for Taiwan compatriots. From cross-border mobile payment services to medical care and educational opportunities, Pingtan offers a comprehensive support system tailored to the needs of its Taiwan compatriots.

"We have established a green channel for Taiwan children to enroll in local schools, ensuring they receive quality education," said Wang Kuifeng, a service specialist at the local Taiwan-oriented Service Center. "This has allowed many families to reunite and relocate to Pingtan."

Wang himself is a testament to Pingtan's commitment to integration. He has lived in Pingtan for five years, bringing his wife and children from Taiwan to enjoy the island's vibrant lifestyle and supportive environment.

We will continue to leverage Pingtan's advantages in relations with Taiwan, focus on the needs of Taiwan compatriots, intensify efforts in reform and innovation, and constantly improve the policy system for serving Taiwan compatriots and enterprises in Pingtan. We will thoroughly implement equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots and contribute Pingtan's strength to Fujian's efforts in establishing itself as the primary destination for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises to settle on the mainland," said Zeng Haifang, director of the Taiwan Affairs Department of Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone.