The 26th CIFIT, held from Sept 8 to 11, features a cross-Strait integration pavilion. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Taiwan entrepreneurs expressed strong confidence in deepening their business presence on the Chinese mainland while participating in a major investment and trade event in Xiamen, Fujian province. They pointed to robust policy support and an evolving industrial ecosystem as key drivers for future growth.

The 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), held from Sept 8 to 11, featured a cross-Strait integration pavilion with 22 exhibitors, twice as many as last year. Nearly half were listed companies. The 1,000-square-meter pavilion highlighted complementary strengths across key sectors, including semiconductors, precision machinery, and biopharmaceuticals.

For METiS TechBio, a cross-Strait artificial intelligence pharmaceutical startup that was officially listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May, the company aims to tap into local industrial resources. The company boasts a global AI-driven nano-delivery platform with over 100 patents. Lai Tsai-ta, co-founder and CEO of the company, praised Xiamen's strategic location across from Taiwan and its robust biopharmaceutical ecosystem, noting that the enterprise aims to advance cross-Strait talent collaboration and land innovative projects through the fair.

Traditional sectors are also embracing modernization. Weng Ying-min, a third-generation leader of Weng Cai Ji Foods, made his debut at the fair to introduce authentic Taiwan beef noodles tailored to young consumers. Weng said Fujian's supportive policies, including recognizing Taiwan firms as "Time-Honored Brands", have strengthened Taiwan investors' determination to deepen their presence on the Chinese mainland. Embracing the mainland's booming e-commerce sector, Weng encouraged Taiwan youth to explore local opportunities. "They should first come over to see for themselves, and then find partners to start with small projects," he added.

Chin Yu-feng, an incense entrepreneur from Kaohsiung who has lived in Xiamen for 12 years, highlighted the seamless lifestyle fusion across the Strait, noting his family's love for Luckin Coffee and his own choice to drive a Xiaomi electric vehicle. Chin said, "I hope quality products from the Chinese mainland can enter Taiwan because consumers are the ones who will ultimately benefit."