An A-share market will open to Taiwan, HK and Macau investors living in the Chinese mainland this April, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced earlier this month. Upon the announcement, Mr. Yang, a Taiwan professional working in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, opened the first A-share account in the county.

"I see great opportunities in the A-share market and want to buy stocks from several larger companies," Yang said.

Wang Yan, a senior executive at the Pingtan branch of China Investment Securities, expects a change in the investment philosophy after the market opens.

"Taiwan investors are interested in blue chip stocks with higher dividends and prefer long-term investments," said Wang Yan. "Their investment perspectives represent fresh ideas for mainland investors."

With more and more Taiwan investors entering the mainland market through Pingtan, capital markets across the Straits will be integrated and Pingtan's financial environment will also be improved. The financial cooperation between the two sides faces a promising future.

Reference materials needed for opening an A-share account:

Mainland pass (for HK and Macau residents) or Entry Permit (for Taiwan residents)

ID card for Taiwan, HK and Macau residents

Temporary Residence Permit issued by the police

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai