A Fujian and Taiwan youth talent matching event attracts more than 600 young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to participate. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

On Sept 12, a one-year milestone was observed. This was for the introduction of a new policy called the Working Guidance of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to Support Fujian in Exploring New Pathways for Promoting Integrated Development between the Two Sides of the Straits and Build a Demonstration Zone for Integrated Cross-Straits Development.

Over the past year, Fujian has introduced two batches of 28 policy measures to implement the guidance.

As a result, the demonstration zone for cross-Strait development has yielded pioneering experiences and innovative outcomes, making Fujian increasingly the "first home" for Taiwan residents and enterprises who want to establish roots on the Chinese mainland.

In terms of social integration, access for Taiwan compatriots has improved, with the Mini Three Links route now operating up to 182 weekly voyages, welcoming 434,000 Taiwan compatriots who entered Fujian ports in the first half of this year.

What's more, living conditions for Taiwan compatriots have been enhanced, with those given mainland residence cards receiving almost the same treatment as existing mainland residents in multiple fields.

Economically, cross-Strait trade in Fujian has grown steadily, with the trade volume reaching 46.46 billion yuan ($6.52 billion) in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 4.9 percent, with 1,121 new Taiwan-funded enterprises being established.

Financial cooperation has seen innovative developments, including the establishment of the first cross-Strait industrial investment fund initiated by Taiwan businessmen in the Chinese mainland.

Emotionally, people-to-people exchanges have thrived, with over 100 cross-Strait exchange events held in Fujian in the first six months and over 15,000 Taiwan compatriots participating, including the 16th Straits Forum.

Moreover, youth exchanges have deepened with events like the 12th Straits Youth Day, fostering 49 bases for Taiwan youth employment and entrepreneurship and attracting more than 48,000 Taiwan youths to intern, work and to start businesses in Fujian.

Looking ahead, Fujian aims to fully implement the spirit of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, continuing to introduce innovative measures to support the construction of the demonstration zone for integrated cross-Strait development and strengthen cross-Strait ties.