Thomas Jen, 50, businessman in Shanghai, from Taipei
I have invested in many industries in Guangdong province and Shanghai since 2000. I also teach at universities. Before 2000, I stayed in the US for six years. All I heard there was about the opportunities in the mainland, so Iw anted to give it a try. Back then,many Taiwan entrepreneurs had concerns about investing in the mainland, basically about policy limitations and political risk. In 2000,many Taiwan-funded companies were still involved in labor-intensive industries. After 2005,more companies have been linked to high technology and innovation. After 15 years, I treat myself as a mainland resident instead of a Taiwan one. I can sense the friendlier attitude toward us in recent years. In 2000, we were treated as Taiwan people in the mainland, and as a mainland person in Taiwan, which was very awkward. For people like me, the top concern is whether peaceful relations can continue between the mainland and Taiwan.