East China's Fujian Province, situated opposite the Taiwan region across the Taiwan Strait, received 420,000 trips made by compatriots from Taiwan in the first half of 2024, a sharp surge of 1.2 times over the same period of last year, the National Immigration Administration said Friday.
The administration attributed the sharp surge to the adoption of support measures by Fujian, which is the closest mainland province to Taiwan.
In January, a set of 10 entry-exit policies for compatriots from Taiwan were put into effect to boost personnel exchanges between Fujian and Taiwan and create favorable conditions for Taiwan compatriots to live and work in Fujian, part of efforts to deepen cross-Strait integrated development.
In addition, Fujian has been tasked to build a demonstration zone for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait.
According to the administration, 106,000 such trips made by compatriots from Taiwan have enjoyed more convenient customs clearance services at ports in Fujian since January.
The administration also pledged further efforts to facilitate the cross-Strait travel by Taiwan compatriots who study, work, start up businesses and reside in Fujian by putting registration of Taiwan compatriots as temporary residents in Fujian to an end.
"We've set up exclusive counters for compatriots and businesses from Taiwan at all entry-exit service lobbies across the province, so that they can enjoy Taiwan-related exit-entry services in the closest vicinity. Meanwhile, we've erected entry-exit service booths in the premises of 10 Taiwan business and enterprise associations, providing services such as entry-exit policy consultation, papers processing and case assistance. These will help compatriots from Taiwan have a sense of gain, integration and identity," said Lin Yongsheng, spokesman of the National Immigration Administration, at a press conference.
Fujian sees sharp surge in passenger trips from Taiwan in January-June
The Brazilian market for new energy vehicles has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with Chinese new energy vehicles prominently distinguishing themselves for their impressive performance within this surge.
According to the data of the Brazilian Association of Electric Vehicles, among the top five brands in terms of new energy vehicle sales in the Brazilian market, Chinese brands (BYD, Great Wall Motors, Chery) occupied three spots in the first four months of this year.
In April alone, out of the 15,206 new energy vehicles sold in the Brazilian market, 7,045 were vehicle models from BYD, accounting for 46.3 percent of the total. Great Wall Motors sold a total of 2,281 vehicles, representing a 15 percent market share.
"In 2022, we sold less than 300 vehicles. In 2023, we achieved nearly 18,000 sales. This year, we have already reached a sales volume close to 30,000 vehicles," said Henrique Antunes, sales director of a Chinese new energy vehicle company (Brazil Branch).
According to the estimates of the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association, the sales volume of new energy vehicles in Brazil is projected to reach 150,000 units in 2024, accounting for 10 percent of the total annual passenger vehicle sales.
Tiago da Paixao is a ride-hailing driver who has been in this profession for five years. He used to drive a fuel-powered vehicle, but now he is the owner of a BYD electric car.
"Whether on city streets or highways, this vehicle outperforms fuel-powered cars in terms of performance. It can adapt to any terrain, providing great value for money and leaving a stunning impression," he said.
As a ride-hailing driver, he covers approximately 300 kilometers every day, which takes a toll on the vehicle over time. Previously, the maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs of a fuel-powered car constituted a significant expense. However, the electric car's relatively simple mechanical structure and low failure rate have saved him a significant amount of money, while also substantially increasing his monthly income.
"Previously, my monthly income was around 3,000 to 4,000 Brazilian reais (about 547.86 to 730.48 U.S. dollars). Now, with the use of an electric car, my monthly income can reach 8,000 to 9,000 Brazilian reais (about 1,460.97 to 1,643.59 U.S. dollars)," he said.
At the same time, many owners of new energy vehicle said Chinese new energy vehicles have the following virtues of higher performance and lower cost.
"What's more important is that you can feel the acceleration response of this car. Whether you need to overtake on city streets or highways, you can quickly and safely complete the maneuver," said Jose Roberto, an owner of new energy vehicle.
"The car is equipped with lane-keeping control and automatic braking functions, which are not commonly seen in vehicles in Brazil. Although these features are available on luxury cars in Brazil, you would have to spend two to three times the price of a Haval to acquire it," said Emerson, another owner of new energy vehicle.
Brazil has overtaken Belgium as the largest overseas destination for China-made new energy vehicles, according to the China Passenger Car Association.
China's new energy vehicles shine in Brazilian auto market
