Taiwan firms seek growth through innovation, deeper mainland integration

He said the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the digital economy, new energy, new materials and smart manufacturing is creating new opportunities for industrial transformation.

"If Jiangxi and Taiwan can further integrate their respective strengths and deepen cooperation, they can create more mutually beneficial results," Hsia said.

For Kuo Wei-Wu, chairman of Taiwan-based K Laser Technology Inc, such transformation is already taking place on the factory floor.

The company has located its Chinese mainland operations headquarters, R&D center and a major production base in Nanchang, capital of Jiangxi. Kuo said the Nanchang plant uses highly automated equipment to improve efficiency and lower production costs, while about 60 percent of its output is exported.

The company is also planning a second-phase project in Nanchang featuring a higher level of automation.

Citing the mainland's engineering capabilities, automation equipment and integrated industrial chains, Kuo said the group remains optimistic about manufacturing there.

"We will continue to invest in Nanchang, and we are optimistic about its prospects," he said.

About 300 guests from Taiwan attended the conference, including 10 delegations and representatives from 16 listed and over-the-counter companies.

Launched in 2003, the conference has developed into an important platform for economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Jiangxi and Taiwan.