Measure could boost confidence among compatriots in Kunshan

Chen Yu-chieh, a Taiwan compatriot in his 20s, obtained a license to open a paper manufacturing business in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, last month.

After submitting relevant paperwork, including his residential permit and proof of business address at the local administrative examination and approval bureau, he received his license in about 15 minutes.

Central government authorities issued a new policy on March 16 concerning applications by Taiwan residents to establish businesses on the mainland. Two days later, Chen became the first in Jiangsu to obtain a license under the policy.

Taiwan residents are now allowed to open businesses in 122 sectors on the mainland, compared to 24 before. Paper manufacturing is among those included.

"I wanted to try my hand at the paper manufacturing business. When the policy came out, I looked at the list of industries and found it was included. I immediately went to apply for a license," he said.

"It's convenient," he said of the policy, adding that it has strengthened Taiwan people's desire to start businesses not only in Kunshan, but across the mainland.

Sun Teh-tsong, president of the Kunshan Association of Taiwan Compatriots Investment Enterprises, said the new policy provides more entrepreneurship opportunities for people from the island, especially people at the grassroots-level and the youth.

As a result of the policies, there will be more frequent exchanges between Kunshan and Taiwan, he said.

Zhao Shu, director of Kunshan's Taiwan Affairs Office, said, "Starting businesses or being employed is the best way for young people from Taiwan to get to know, understand and take root in the mainland."

Kunshan will continue to improve its services and create convenient conditions for Taiwan compatriots who study, work or start businesses in the city, she said.

A county-level city in southeastern Jiangsu bordered by Shanghai in the east and Suzhou, Jiangsu province, in the west, Kunshan has enjoyed active investment from Taiwan entrepreneurs.

Taiwan-funded enterprises account for about 30 percent of Kunshan's regional GDP, 50 percent of its industrial output and 70 percent of its total import and export volume, data from the office showed.

There are about 100,000 Taiwan compatriots in Kunshan, with people between 18 and 45 accounting for roughly 40 percent of that group, and the number is on the rise, according to the office.

To help boost their careers on the mainland, Kunshan has launched a channel for Taiwan talent to apply for professional title evaluation on the mainland. So far, 37 have obtained professional titles in the city, it said.