Guangzhou's Taiwan affairs office unveiled a special policy on July 30 to enhance the social, economic and cultural cooperation between Guangzhou and Taiwan.

The Several Measures to Further Deepen the Economic, Social and Cultural Exchanges and Cooperation between Guangzhou and Taiwan was jointly issued by several government departments and consists of 60 special measures.

Early in August 2014, Guangzhou government rolled out the Implementation Opinions on Further Deepening the Economic and Trade Cooperation between Guangzhou and Taiwan and Supporting the Transformation and Upgrading of Taiwan-funded Enterprises. The policy consisted of 25 specific measures and covered an area of six aspects supporting Taiwan-funded enterprises in upgrading and transformation.

The newly released policy is an enhanced version of the original one and comprehensively implements the "31 preferential policies for Taiwan", which were released by Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council in February for the benefit of Taiwan people.

The policy also carries strong Guangzhou features. Emphasis has been placed in the measures of implementing the same treatment for Taiwan compatriots and local citizens in Guangzhou. It is proposed that Taiwan compatriots can use their Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents as "ID cards". Eligible Taiwan compatriots can apply for public rental housing in the city and participate in "five social insurances and one housing fund".

The policy also focuses on Taiwan youth who come to Guangzhou for developing as the city offers 10 million yuan ($1.47 billion) each year to support the technological innovation in Taiwan-funded enterprises and the innovation and entrepreneurship of Taiwan youth. Taiwan's youth entrepreneurship project can enjoy up to 200,000 yuan.

In addition, to promote cross-strait talent exchange and development, Guangzhou will provide more than 1,200 jobs and more than 300 internships for the youth of Taiwan each year.

Taiwan students will be subsidized for accommodation, transportation, and personal accident insurance during the internship period. At the same time, they will be offered a subsidy of no less than 1,500 yuan per person per month after graduation and special support will be offered for them to apply for Guangzhou's green card for talent.