In September 2024, the Dongguan Taiwan Famous Products Fair celebrates its 15th edition, showcasing a larger scale, higher standards, more exhibitors, and greater professionalism than ever before. Over four days, the event has become a focal point for cross-Strait integration, reflecting years of dedication and commitment.
Reflecting on the past, each edition of the fair has brought together distinctive products from leading Taiwan companies, showcasing the stories of Taiwan entrepreneurs who have established their businesses on the Chinese mainland. The fair has played a crucial role in witnessing and promoting the robust economic development and deep integration across the Taiwan Strait, fostering civil exchanges, and contributing to the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.
In 2010, Dongguan was designated as a pilot city for the transformation and upgrading of processing trade, initiating a wave of industrial change. That same year, the inaugural Dongguan Taiwan Famous Products Fair took place, with nearly half of the Taiwan exhibitors making their debut sales on the Chinese mainland, seizing the opportunity to expand domestic sales and upgrade their operations.
By 2015, Dongguan, a major hub for foreign trade, entered a period of explosive growth in cross-border e-commerce. That year, the fair adopted the slogan "Dongguan Manufacturing, Moving Towards the Global Market," encouraging Taiwan enterprises to come together and explore the e-commerce sector.
In 2019, the release of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area proposed the creation of globally influential and competitive advanced manufacturing industry clusters, with Shenzhen and Dongguan at the center. The Dongguan Taiwan Famous Products Fair adapted to this trend, transforming into a specialized electronics exhibition focused on cutting-edge technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things, facilitating cooperation intentions worth 3.08 billion yuan.
A significant milestone was reached in September 2023 when the State Council approved the "Overall Plan for Deepening Cross-Strait Innovation and Development Cooperation." Shortly thereafter, the 14th Dongguan Taiwan Famous Products Fair kicked off under the theme "Taiwan Businessmen Joining Forces to Integrate into the Greater Bay Area," attracting over 4,500 guests from cross-strait business groups—an unprecedented turnout.
As the Dongguan Taiwan Famous Products Fair celebrates its 15th edition in 2024, it has evolved into the largest economic and trade exchange event across the Strait. This development underscores the fair's important role and achievements, sending a strong signal for the peaceful advancement of cross-Strait relations.
Amid the momentum of modern Chinese development, the Dongguan Taiwan Famous Products Fair embodies the shared aspirations of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for peace, development, exchange, and cooperation. It serves as a platform for transformation, facilitating the establishment of shared industries, expanding the common market, and deepening friendships to build a brighter future for both sides.
Reporter | Xie Maishi, Chen Wanying
Photo | Sun Junjie, Gong Mingyang
Editor | Monica, Nina, James
