Although they are both centred around islands, the neighbouring regions of Xiamen and Kinmen are very different, as Chamber members found out on a business mission on 6-8 September. 

The metropolitan area of Xiamen has spread beyond its original island location and is now the second largest city in Fujian Province. One of the first special economic zones in the Mainland, the city is known for its industrial focus, while its traditional architecture and pleasant climate have also made it an attractive tourist destination. 

Located to the east of Xiamen, Kinmen is governed by Taiwan. With a population of just 137,000, the environment is simple and frugal, and offers a refreshing change from hectic city life.

The two areas are a key focus for cross-straits relations between Mainland China and Taiwan, which can be seen in the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, the “Mini Three Links” and the water supply from Xiamen to Kinmen. As the Kinmen-Xiamen Common Living Circle develops, it has also helped promote tourism and trade exchanges between the Mainland and Taiwan.

CIFIT – or the China (Xiamen) International Fair for Investment and Trade – is a key trade event which marked its 20th anniversary this year. The Chamber’s Taiwan Interest Group Chairman PC Yu took this opportunity to lead a delegation to the fair, and also to give members the opportunity to explore potential business cooperation in Xiamen and Kinmen.

Xiamen
Delegates first stopped by the Cross-Strait Longshan Cultural and Creative Industrial Park in Xiamen. The park has an emphasis on creative design projects such as industrial design and fashion design. Delegates were impressed by Xiamen’s unique and high-quality local design and said that they could see potential for growth in the sector.

At the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone, members attended a seminar. Ma Zili, Party Working Committee and Inspector of Administration at the Free Trade Zone, explained some of the advantages of the port city, including its high-level international trade, the “single window” system for trade, and its proactive implementation of e-commerce. Ma added that the cargo and mail throughput of Xiamen Airport had reached 338,700 tonnes.

Kinmen
On the second day, the delegation travelled to Kinmen, where they had the opportunity to visit three of the family-run companies that are typical of the businesses in the region.  

Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor (KKL) was established in 1952 under the command of General Hu Lian. During the visit, Chen Shangzhi, Chairman of the KKL Trade Union, explained that due to the drought-resistant nature of kaoliang, or sorghum, it thrives in Kinmen where rainfall is low. Chen added that the water supply between Kinmen and Xiamen can provide a new source of water for the brewery. He said that he hoped to promote Kaoliang wine to Hong Kong, and gave the Chamber delegates some samples of the liquor to try. 

Moving on to Liang Jin Farm, the visitors then had the chance to try some local beef noodles. Founded in 1990, Liang Jin Farm has adopted an environmentally-friendly recycling farming method, and feeds kaoliang to its cattle to create a unique beef flavour. 

Members also visited Kinmen’s century-old brand Dr Wang 1885. Now in its fifth generation, the company combines modern technology with ancestral practices to produce healthcare products, and has a commitment to giving back to the community. 

Besides the company visits, the delegation called on the Kinmen Chamber of Commerce to discuss business and trade cooperation. Cai Yuren, Chairman of the Kinmen Chamber of Commerce, said despite being quite traditional – similar to some of the rural areas in the Mainland – Kinmen boasts comprehensive tourism facilities. Kinmen has been proactively promoting leisure tourism in recent years and Cai is confident that the sector will continue to grow. 

“I was surprised at the development potential of the county,” said the Chamber’s Yu. “In addition to the tourism industry, I think that Kinmen’s peaceful environment could also provide room for growth for the elderly care sector.” He added that he hoped to introduce some of Kinmen’s products to Hong Kong. 

Legislator Yang Chengwu thanked the delegation for taking up his invitation to visit Kinmen. He added that he hoped to pay a return visit and lead a delegation to Hong Kong to continue to enhance mutual relations.

CIFIT
Returning to Xiamen, the Chamber delegates visited CIFIT on 8 September, where they attended the opening ceremony and visited the Hong Kong Pavilion and other booths of interest. CIFIT is currently the only international investment promotion event aimed at facilitating two-way investment, and this year the themes were “Introducing FDI” and “Going Global.” Since 1997, the Chamber has led a delegation to attend the fair every year.