The Straits Forum opens in Xiamen of Fujian Province today. One of this year's highlights is a new venue in Fujian that is helping young entrepreneurship across the Straits.
This new start-up venue in Fujian province is welcoming young entrepreneurs from Taiwan. 25 companies have already set up offices here, and more will come soon.
"Eighty percent of the companies here are from Taiwan. Many are entrepreneurs. Our mission is to help them to learn about policies and business environment here," said Huang Jianghui, deputy general manager of Xiamen Haiheqingchuang Management Consulting, Ltd.
These days, more young people are starting their own companies. And Fujian's new base for start-ups from Taiwan is helping young entrepreneurs. Over 25 startups have set up offices here already. And more will come soon. These companies can take advantage of a number of policies that provide generous assistance -- from tax breaks to housing subsidies to free business consultation services.
The base focuses on helping people develop cultural and creative industry products. The Times Young Creative Awards is building a platform to connect creative thinkers across the straits.It has attracted twenty thousand works from universities this year alone.
"We plans to transform good ideas into good businesses, setting up platforms and incubators for students," said Sun Kaize, creative director of 25th Times Creative Awards.
Older companies founded by established Taiwan businessmen are also seeking opportunities to change. Huang Jiancheng has been in Xiamen for over ten years, he wants to develop his corrugated box business into a more creative venture.
"The first generation of businessman have the money and contacts and experience. But traditional businesses are mainly in the red sea market, we should be looking to get into the blue sea market," Huang said.
Nearly 50 to 60 percent of investment funds will be reimbursed by the government to help stimulate the growth of start up companies inside the venue. There are also policies in place that can help attract talent and pay office rents.
