Implementation of 15th Five-Year Plan to offer more opportunities for Taiwan people, businesses: spokesperson

BEIJING -- The implementation of the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan will undoubtedly provide more development opportunities for people and businesses from Taiwan, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Zhang Han, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference that promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advancing the cause of national reunification have been designated as key components of the recently adopted document of recommendations by the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership for formulating the plan for national economic and social development between 2026 and 2030.

The mainland's economy enjoys a solid foundation with multiple strengths, strong resilience and vast potential, as its advantages of a super-sized market, a complete industrial system and a rich talent pool become increasingly prominent, Zhang noted.

She said the mainland will advance the building of demonstration zones for cross-Strait integrated development, promote economic collaboration, implement equal treatment policies to create better conditions for Taiwan compatriots to study, work and live on the mainland, and promote the joint inheritance and promotion of Chinese culture.

The mainland encourages and supports more Taiwan compatriots to participate in the mainland's economic and social development, enabling them to share in the opportunities and achievements of Chinese modernization, Zhang emphasized.

According to the spokesperson, 23 Taiwan enterprises are participating in the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened on Wednesday in Shanghai. Their businesses cover industries ranging from food, technical equipment, consumer goods, medical devices and healthcare, to service trade.

"We welcome individuals from all walks of life on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to visit Shanghai for the CIIE and explore business cooperation opportunities," Zhang said.

Noting that the recent plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed to expand opening up and promote innovative development in trade, Zhang said the CIIE represents a significant move by China to open its market and serves as an important platform for helping Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs share in the fruits of Chinese modernization.

Taiwan enterprises can showcase their products at the CIIE, expand sales channels, engage in extensive business cooperation, and integrate into the new development pattern of the mainland, Zhang added.