Chen Donghai (left), a deputy to the National People's Congress from Fujian province and Party secretary of Xishan village of Yongfu township in Zhangping city, inspects a flower plantation. [Photo by Zeng Jiaqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Over the past month, Chen Donghai has become much busier as a series of flower exhibitions featuring azaleas, camellias and others have opened in the Yongfu township of Zhangping city, Fujian province.
Dealing with flowers is an integral part of Chen's daily work. He is a deputy to the National People's Congress from Fujian and Party secretary of Xishan village of Yongfu.
Xishan is well known for its azalea plantation, and almost every household in the village grows flowers.
Over 90 percent of the villagers are involved in the industry. They grow the flowers and sell them online and offline. Sales are booming, and this growth has attracted tourists searching for natural beauty.
Chen Donghai (left), a deputy to the National People's Congress from Fujian province and Party secretary of Xishan village of Yongfu township in Zhangping city, inspects a flower plantation. [Photo by Zeng Jiaqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]
After being selected as the deputy, Chen felt a great sense of responsibility and began brainstorming ways to develop the flower industry.
"We plan to build an azalea flower valley to create a distinctive flower distribution center combining Yongfu's cherry blossoms and tea gardens," he said. "The integration of the tertiary industry will attract more tourism resources and accelerate the cultivation of new business formats."
Due to its latitude, climate, and similarity to Ali Mountain in Taiwan, Yongfu has attracted three generations of farmers from Taiwan since the late 1990s.
Chen Donghai (right), a deputy to the National People's Congress from Fujian province and Party secretary of Xishan village of Yongfu township in Zhangping city, inspects a flower plantation. [Photo by Zhang Hui/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Through regular interactions with the farmers and business people from Taiwan, Chen has become familiar with them and understands their needs.
During the National People's Congress session in 2023, Chen proposed opening a fast track for the Taiwan Innovation Park and further optimizing the investment environment for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises.
Currently, Fujian is creating a model for integrated cross-Strait development. Chen is hopeful about the future.
For the upcoming session of the National People's Congress, Chen said he will promote the release of more benefits for Taiwan farmers and business people to enhance the national identity, cultural identity and ethnic identity of Taiwan compatriots.
"I hope the affection between people on both sides of the Strait grows stronger to cooperate for mutual benefit and common development," he said.
