The Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone has accelerated project construction of the zone's petty trade and fruit wholesale markets to boost trade and communication with Taiwan, China Review News reported.

The two markets will cover a land area of 145,333 square meters, with 38 attached buildings providing accommodations for about 3,000 people.

The fruit wholesale market site will finish construction in June, according to Wu Guojun, quality director of the program and an official with China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co, the project contractor and a subsidiary of China State Construction.

Upon completion, citizens and tourists in Pingtan will be able to enjoy Taiwan fruits, such as pitaya, passion fruit and starfruit. The market will also promote fruit trade across the Taiwan Straits.

The petty trade market will go into operation in September, providing a trading platform for Taiwan electronic products and tourist items. It will also serve as a home to restaurants and cafes, added Wu.

Petty trade between Pingtan and Taiwan has developed significantly since 1979, when Pingtan county, Fujian province, became an anchor bay for Taiwan fishing boats.

Edited by Michael Thai