Lei Hong Yi, director-general of the Council for Industrial and Commercial Development from Taiwan island, talks to media on the sidelines of the 2025 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit starting on December 16, 2025 in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province. Photo: Chu Daye/GT

While large-scale Taiwan manufacturing investments on the Chinese mainland have often captured headlines, a significant while quiet shift is underway. 

A new wave of small, agile startups from Taiwan island is becoming a vital force in cross-Straits economic integration, Lei Hong Yi, director-general of the Council for Industrial and Commercial Development from Taiwan island, told the Global Times on the sidelines of the 2025 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit held from Tuesday to Wednesday in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province.

The trend moves beyond heavy industry, toward knowledge-based ventures often founded by young entrepreneurs or couples. "A good idea needs a big market," Lei said. "In the past, it was major Taiwan corporations that led investment across the Taiwan Straits," Lei said. "But the current dynamism stems from a different source: youth brimming with entrepreneurial spirit, and small teams wanting to test their fortunes on the mainland. Relevant parties' focus should pivot to supporting them."

The director-general of Taiwan's Council for Industrial and Commercial Development noted that while the new arrivals may lack the capital and scale of their predecessors, their choice is meaningful. "They are not necessarily wealthy or influential, yet they choose to come to the mainland. Why? They see many opportunities in the mainland."

The younger generation of Taiwan-based entrepreneurs typically operates in the digital economy - fields like software development and innovative services. Their business model leverages intellectual capital over physical assets. 

"For a digital venture, a talented team of three to five can create significant value," Lei said. "For them, the decisive factor is the market. The mainland's massive consumer base and digital ecosystem are unparalleled."

This time, Lei led an 18-member delegation to the mainland, including seven youths. "My priority is to assist these young entrepreneurs," he said. "The large enterprises are already well established. The potential lie with these newcomers who are taking the first brave step."

The long-term impact of the young entrepreneurs on cross-Straits integration, Lei said, will be cumulative and profound. "Their initial footprint may be small, but their willingness to bridge the Straits is what counts. If they choose to settle, bring their families, or relocate their entire operations in the mainland, it represents a deep commitment. And more will follow them."

Lei also acknowledged the challenges, noting that many youths lack the know-how to begin. However, he remained confident in the resilience of economic and people-to-people exchanges across the Straits. "People need to work to provide for their families. That fundamental drive ensures the connection and integration will endure."

The choice of these micro-entrepreneurs signals an evolution in cross-Straits economic and trade relations, as they are weaving a new and innovative thread into the fabric of shared economic destiny across the Straits, Lei said.

About 800 people, including entrepreneurs, experts and scholars from across the Straits, attended the 2025 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, which kicked off in Nanjing on Tuesday.

Trade between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan increased by 9.4 percent year-on-year in 2024, highlighting steady progress in economic exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said in January, citing data from the General Administration of Customs. The Ministry of Commerce reported the establishment of 7,941 new Taiwan-funded enterprises on the Chinese mainland in 2024, marking a 1.6 percent year-on-year increase.