Published by ChinaMNC · Puning

Jieyang’s ‘Overseas Chaoshan Reunion’ Event: A Practical Guide for Foreign Founders

Jieyang recently hosted a major event for overseas Chaoshan compatriots, opening the first phase of the Chaoshan Overseas Chinese Hall and launching new service platforms. For foreign founders, this signals growing support networks and business opportunities in a key Guangdong manufacturing hub.

Jieyang’s ‘Overseas Chaoshan Reunion’ Event: What Foreign Founders Should Know

On the morning of October 28, 2026, Jieyang’s ancient city came alive with drums, lion dances, and Yingge performances as the city welcomed over 550 Chaoshan overseas Chinese from 22 countries and regions for the ‘Overseas Chaoshan Reunion’ themed event. The occasion marked the official opening of the Chaoshan Overseas Chinese Hall (Chaoqiaofang). For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, this event highlights Jieyang’s active efforts to build networks, service platforms, and cultural bridges that can indirectly support business operations.

Event Overview and Key Attendees

The event was hosted by the Jieyang Overseas Friendship Association and the Jieyang People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. It drew high-level attendance, including Hu Jinjun, member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Head of the Publicity Department; Li Benjun, former deputy director of the Central People’s Government Liaison Office in Macao; Li Zhuobin, former vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese; Liu Yiliang, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and chairman of the Macao Chaoshan Association; and other officials from the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council. Also present were Zhuang Yuequn, Party Secretary of Shantou; Li Yongping, Party Secretary of Chaozhou; and Zeng Fengbao, Party Secretary of Jieyang, who delivered a speech. Pang Guomei, vice minister of the Provincial United Front Work Department and director of the Provincial Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, gave remarks, and Qu Xiaojie, deputy Party secretary and mayor of Jieyang, presided over the event.

Messages of congratulations were shared from Ho Hau-wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and first Chief Executive of Macao; Leung Chun-ying, vice chairman of the CPPCC and former Chief Executive of Hong Kong; and Starry Lee Wai-king, member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and chairman of the Hong Kong Legislative Council.

Purpose and Vision: Building a Spiritual Home and Economic Platform

In his speech, Zeng Fengbao emphasized that for centuries, generations of Chaoshan people have ventured overseas, worked hard, and built successful lives while maintaining deep ties to their homeland. To help overseas Chaoshan compatriots feel connected—‘roots anchored, emotions returned, culture carried, and business thriving’—Jieyang has planned and built the Chaoqiaofang to a high standard and organized this event. The city aims to use this as a new starting point to serve overseas Chinese and their families, continue the Chaoshan overseas cultural heritage, and unite the strength of the overseas community. The goal is to create a shared spiritual home, a cultural exchange window, and an economic and trade cooperation platform.

Pang Guomei noted that overseas Chinese and returned compatriots are an important force in Guangdong’s practice of Chinese-style modernization. Jieyang, as a famous hometown of overseas Chinese, has used ancient city preservation and the construction of Chaoqiaofang as key initiatives to build a spiritual home for overseas compatriots, achieving notable results in overseas Chinese affairs. She described the event as an innovative practice to unite overseas Chinese hearts and strength, and expressed hope that compatriots will maintain their patriotic spirit, contribute to a shared future, and act as bridges for mutual learning among civilizations.

New Platforms and Service Centers Launched

During the event, several new platforms were unveiled that could be relevant to foreign founders seeking to understand Jieyang’s business environment and support mechanisms:

• Jieyang Chaoqiaofang Opening: The first phase of 14 halls was officially opened, and construction of the second phase was simultaneously launched.
• Four New Centers Inaugurated: These include the Jieyang Research Center for Forging a Strong Sense of Community for the Chinese Nation; the Jieyang Branch of the Collaborative Innovation Center for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Chinese Cultural Heritage and Communication; the Jieyang Overseas Economic, Trade and Cultural Service Center; and the ‘Home of Overseas Chinese.’
• Recognition and Initiatives: Thank-you certificates were presented to overseas Chinese representatives for their support of Jieyang’s ‘Hundreds, Thousands, and Tens of Thousands Project.’ An initiative was read by Zhang Yikun, executive chairman of the International Chaoshan Federation and president of the New Zealand Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Yao Lixuan, member of the Jieyang Party Standing Committee and head of the United Front Work Department, provided an overview of the Chaoqiaofang construction.

Cultural Activities and Symbolic Gestures

Beyond the formal proceedings, the event organized a series of cultural activities designed to evoke a sense of homecoming: painting a ‘Wall of Ten Thousand Blessings’ together, planting a ‘Banyan of Shared Hearts,’ writing a ‘Family Letter,’ and collecting a handful of ‘Native Soil.’ These activities aimed to let overseas Chaoshan compatriots experience the warmth of their hometown.

Implications for Foreign Founders

While this event primarily targets overseas Chaoshan Chinese, it signals several practical points for foreign entrepreneurs considering Jieyang or Guangdong province:

• Growing Service Infrastructure: The launch of the Jieyang Overseas Economic, Trade and Cultural Service Center and the ‘Home of Overseas Chinese’ suggests expanding resources for international business and cultural exchange. Foreign founders may find these centers useful for networking, understanding local regulations, and accessing cultural orientation.
• Government Engagement: The high-level attendance and support indicate that Jieyang’s government is actively courting overseas investment and expertise. Foreign founders can expect a relatively open attitude toward foreign businesses, though standard procedures for company registration and operations still apply.
• Cultural Bridge: The emphasis on cultural heritage and exchange could create opportunities for foreign founders in sectors like tourism, cultural products, and international trade, especially those who can leverage the Chaoshan diaspora network.
• Network Access: The event gathered representatives from overseas Chinese associations, chambers of commerce, and consulates. Foreign founders might explore partnerships or seek guidance from these networks when setting up operations.

However, foreign founders should note that the event does not introduce new regulations or incentives specifically for foreign investors. Standard legal and tax requirements for company registration in China remain unchanged. The event’s relevance lies in the potential for improved support services and networking, not in regulatory changes.

Conclusion

Jieyang’s ‘Overseas Chaoshan Reunion’ event underscores the city’s commitment to leveraging its diaspora connections for cultural and economic development. For foreign founders, it offers a glimpse into the local business ecosystem and the support structures being put in place. While direct benefits may vary, staying informed about such developments can help in navigating the Chinese market.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.