Approximately 100 people, including representatives from 40 business organizations, attended the promotional campaign for the 2016 Xiamen Industry Exposition in Taipei on Dec 2.
The 2016 expo will focus on progress made in intelligent manufacturing and is scheduled to take place in Xiamen, Fujian province, on April 12-15, 2016.
At the Dec 2 event, the expo's hosts – the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronics Products and the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Convention and Exhibition Affairs – explained the preparatory work done for the next expo and conferred with Taiwan businessmen about potential trade and economic cooperation. They vowed to offer ease and convenience for Taiwan enterprises participating in the expo.
China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and innovation and entrepreneurship became the most discussed topics at the event.
Lin Zhongsen, chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation, said that the relationship between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland is in the best shape in more than 60 years, and that the SEF and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, as cross-Straits exchange platforms, will work to serve the well-being of people across the Straits.
Li Rongmin, director of the Taipei office of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronics Products, said that the expo will serve as a massive matchmaking platform where the newest industrial developments will be shared among participants.
Li also said that Taiwan enterprises attending the expo can find opportunities for them to enter or expand in the vast mainland market, where they can get more exposure to international attention.
Wang Qiongwen, director of the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Convention and Exhibition Affairs, said that the 2016 expo will bring investment opportunities from around the globe and enable exchange activities for participants.
Zhan Huosheng, chairman of the Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation, said that the Taiwan exhibitors reflected Taiwan's recent economic status.
Zhan said that Taiwan and mainland residents share the same culture and are connected by ties of kinship. Taiwan has easy access to the fast growing mainland market. Zhan hopes to see the private sectors from Taiwan and the mainland work closely to generate economic growth.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
