"The promotion event held in Taipei will surely boost the cross-Straits cooperation," said Chiang. "Taiwan-based companies will play an active role in fields of biotechnology and heath industries, which are outlined in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20)."

Clay Chandler, international executive editor of Time magazine, said Guangzhou's potential had been underestimated in the past, citing Ehang's manned aerial vehicle being ready for commercial operation while Google is still working on its own.

Chiang Pin-kung, former president of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation, encourages Taiwan business people to invest in Guangzhou, Guangdong province capital, on May 15. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]