In the past two years, leaders from the Chinese central government have given instructions on the construction of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone.

President Hu Jintao called for an optimized mechanism for development and opening-up and an overall plan paving the way for infrastructure construction.

Top legislator Wu Bangguo said the zone's rapid development and opening-up is strategically vital for the construction of the Western Taiwan Straits Economic Zone. Therefore, the zone needs high standards and detailed plans at the start.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao emphasized all governmental organs concerned should grant more flexible policies to the zone to try out new policies and accumulate development experiences.

Jia Qingling, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the zone should grab the opportunity to develop the Western Taiwan Straits Economic Zone. He hoped compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits could work together for the economic zone.

Other leaders from the central government, including Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, and He Guoqiang, also gave instructions on the development and construction of the pilot zone.