Statistics from the Fujian Provincial Trade and Industry Bureau show the number of new enterprises in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in 2012 totaled 2,894, 54.8 percent higher than 2011. The total figure in the zone reached 2,894 with registered capital totaling 25.33 billion yuan ($4.07 billion), including 11.51 billion yuan in newly registered capital, the China News Service Fuzhou Bureau reported on Jan 8.

The foreign investment to Pingtan grew rapidly in the past year. Foreign enterprises reached 125 in 2012, double the previous year's figure. Foreign registered capital and investment grew by 59.9 percent and 47.55 percent, respectively, from 2011, said an official from the bureau.

Taiwan merchants were the most active in foreign investments. According to statistics from the bureau, there were 48 new Taiwan enterprises in 2012. The total number of Taiwan companies reached 85 since the establishment of the pilot zone.

Su Shulin, governor of Fujian province, and You Quan, secretary of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee, said Pingtan should speed up the decentralization of land, power and profits to promote opening-up and development. Efforts should be made in accordance to the "Five Commons", common planning, development, operation, management and benefit across the Straits.

After three years since the establishment of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, the area has seen great improvement in infrastructure construction, conditions for industrial cooperation, as well as investments from home and abroad.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai