Gong Qinggai, director of the management committee of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian, the first pilot zone opening up to Taiwan, visited the Pingtan Taiwan Merchants Association on Oct 24, in a bid to gain further understanding of the businesspeople's requirements related to the first "Taiwan Community", according to the pilot zone's official website.

The "Taiwan Community" refers to the Taiwan Cultural Square under construction in the zone. The square is expected to be an area for Taiwan businesspeople in Pingtan to live, work, and enjoy their leisure time.

Gong said he hopes to make use of the "Taiwan Community" to attract more Taiwan businesspeople so as to further increase economic ties between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Officials of the association, including Li Yunhui and Li Yunchao, and other officials of the management committee discussed issues related to the welfare of the businesspeople in the zone. Gong urged the association to meet their requirements so as to contribute to the construction of a "common homeland" for people across the Taiwan Straits.

Li Yunchao responsible person of the association, said that Pingtan has many opportunities to offer Taiwan businesspeople and the association is working hard to be able to offer special conditions for their convenience.

Edited by Niva Whyman