Investors upbeat despite threat of war
Taiwan investors in frontline city Xiamen appear to be undeterred by the threats of war and prepared to cash in on the new opportunities brought by the imminent link between Taiwan offshore islands and the mainland.
On Dadeng Island - where Quemoy Island is clearly in sight - a special market was opened by the Xiamen Government last year as a gesture to promote trade with Taiwan.
But the market was very quiet recently, as many shop owners had left either because they were scared off by the possibility of war or had found no business there.
Among the more than 400 shop-owners, including locals, opportunity-seekers from all over the mainland and about 20 Taiwan investors, only 100 are staying in Dadeng, according to a local shopkeeper.
The so-called Taiwan products sold in the market are mainly imported via Hong Kong and Macau because there is no direct trade link between the mainland and Taiwan.
But a Taiwan businessman, who claimed he had several factories in Taipei, said Taiwan businessmen came to the island - about an hour's drive from Xiamen - to wait for the limited trade link.
'This is a strategic place because it is so close to Quemoy. What we are waiting for is a limited trade link with the offshore islands. If there is a direct trade link between mainland and Taiwan, this place will not be important anymore.
'We came here to prepare ourselves. For example, you need to know the Customs people, the procedures and the distribution network from here on the mainland or it will be too late if you come here after the trade link is established.' Back in Xiamen's city centre, Taiwan investors shrugged off claims that war might erupt anytime.
'I believe things will not go that far. It is not like the old days now. And it does nobody good to have a war,' said Chen Ju-yu, manager of Cafe Show, a popular place for Taiwan businessmen in Xiamen.
Compared to 1996, when the mainland fired missiles at waters off Taiwan, Xiamen has been much quieter in recent days.
'In 1996, there were military vehicles with missile-like objects going here and there in the city. There is no such thing this year,' she said.
Ms Chen said most of her Taiwan customers remained upbeat about investing in the mainland. She is planning to open five restaurants on the mainland.
