Entrepreneur promotes cross-Strait ties

Lin introduces his project in Xiamen. CHINA DAILY

Learning that Neicuo provides opportunities for young people from both sides to start up businesses together in rural areas, he became the first Taiwan young person to work in the town and established a cultural tour company in March.

"During the era of cross-Strait confrontation, this area represented a front line of conflict, but now it serves as a pioneer zone for peaceful exchanges. The close connections in terms of people and logistics have always existed, paving the way for cooperation," he said.

Young teams from both sides of the Strait collaborate to explore and delve into the local folk culture, deriving and developing cultural and creative products.

"We needed a medium to present local characteristics, something tangible that people can connect with," Lin said.

He introduced a young team of craft brewers from Jinmen, renowned for its liquor, to work with local brewers in Xiamen to launch a craft beer brand for the town, creating the first cultural product of its kind in the area.

Lin and his team have also been addressing agricultural challenges in the region. Collaborating with Taiwan agricultural experts, he has initiated efforts to revitalize abandoned farmland through sustainable practices.

Lin has found that cross-Strait exchanges are happening in everyday life. In Xiamen, he often seeks advice from his elders speaking the southern Fujian dialect, which is also spoken in Taiwan, making it the most intimate and natural connection between them.

The recent reopening of travel between Fujian and Jinmen has provided new opportunities for collaboration.

Lin plans to develop repurposed factories into living and working spaces to provide housing and offices for young professionals.

He said he hopes to attract more young people to participate in the community development process, making the community a new home jointly built by people from both sides of the Strait.

Li Ren contributed to this story.

zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn