Yu Zhengsheng: A frank, devoted friend

Attached to Taiwan compatriots

In February, Yu attended the 2013 Working Meeting on Taiwan. When speaking of "doing more practical things and good things for Taiwan compatriots," he mentioned a "major issue" concerning hairy crabs -- Shanghai has exported baby hairy crabs and patented cultivation techniques to Miaoli County, Taiwan for two successive years to help it develop tourist agriculture and cater to the demands of Taiwan gourmets.

Although 1 million baby crabs is a small amount in terms of trade, in Yu's eyes it represented "a great event in terms of promoting friendly cooperation across the Taiwan Strait."

Yu Zhengsheng (2nd R) joins a panel discussion of Taiwan deputies to the first session of the 12th National People's Congress, in Beijing, March 7, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

When he served as a top local leader, Yu placed great emphasis on protecting the legitimate interests and rights of Taiwan business people. He was deeply concerned about the interests of Taiwan compatriots.

When Yu was the Party chief of Shanghai, the international financial crisis was spreading. Like other companies, Taiwan-funded enterprises took a big hit. Quanta Computer, a Taiwan-funded business and leading exporter on the Chinese mainland, was dragged down, too. Quanta Computer director and senior vice president Huang Chien-tang was amazed to learn that at the "most critical" moment for the company's exports, Yu asked to meet with him one-on-one.

"When he saw me, Yu asked me what problems I was having. He encouraged me to speak my mind freely. I still feel warm when reflecting on his words," said Huang.

One day in March last year, Yu paid a low-key visit to the plant of Taiwan-funded Jifu New Energy in the suburbs. He talked with workers on the production line for an hour. This wasn't the first time Yu had visited a plant incognito.

"Yu was modest. He well understood solar energy and film technology. He encouraged Taiwan businesses in the city to explore high technology and transform themselves. He replied to all the questions raised by businesses. I felt I had met a bosom friend in technology," said Tony Liu, general manager of JiFu New Energy.

When he worked as a local official, Yu often met with people from all circles in Taiwan. When the World Expo was held in Shanghai in 2010, Yu was personally concerned about the progress of construction on the Taiwan Pavilion and the Taipei Case Pavilion, expecting the two venues to act as bridges for cultural exchange across the Strait.

On March 7, Yu deliberated on Premier Wen Jiabao's government work report with the Taiwan delegation at the first session of the 12th National People's Congress. He said efforts must be made to promote cross-Strait economic cooperation for mutual benefit, expand personnel exchanges across the Strait, deepen cultural and educational exchanges, and improve the quality and efficiency of communications.

"We must take it as the main thread of our work regarding Taiwan to unite with the mass of Taiwan compatriots, do more practical work and do more good works for them, and continue to gather momentum for peaceful development across the Strait," he said.