Pingtan, located off the coast of Fujian province and the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, is a comprehensive pilot zone focused on cross-Straits integration and a key area for international trade and logistics. Today, the island plays host to the opening of the 14th Common Homeland Forum, under the theme "Better Life, Better Future."

The forum brings together participants from across the Taiwan Straits, as well as guests from Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas Chinese communities. With final preparations now complete, the event is poised to unveil new momentum for integrated development between the two sides of the Straits.

This year's main forum is structured around three central themes: "Shared Market and Seamless Connectivity," "Joint Governance and Renewed Homeland," and "Shared Vision and New Chapter of Integration." Activities will include industry project presentations, a showcase of the "Pingtan-Taiwan Connect" service platform, community story-sharing, and expert dialogues, all designed to spotlight Pingtan's innovative practices in cross-Straits trade cooperation and cultural exchange.

A key highlight is the Pingtan Dialogue on E-commerce between Fujian and Taiwan, a specially curated event focused on fostering youth entrepreneurship and cross-Straits collaboration in the digital economy. Designed with younger participants in mind, the session aims to make industry matchmaking both practical and engaging.

"Focusing on Taiwan'sgrassroots communitiesand younger generation is not just a theme—it's a direction," said another event coordinator. "We are channeling our efforts into practical areas like policy innovation, streamlined services, and the free flow of talent and resources."

The forum also underscores Pingtan's recent progress in creating a pilot zone for a unified cross-Straits market, improving support for Taiwan compatriots and businesses, and opening up new paths for youth employment and entrepreneurship.