Cross-Strait Forum to boost grassroots exchanges

BEIJING, May 10 -- The ninth Cross-Strait Forum, which will begin June 17 in east China's Fujian Province, will boost local-level exchanges and integrated development between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

The week-long forum will hold 21 major activities covering youth exchanges, community entities and trade, said An Fengshan, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference Wednesday.

The forum will feature activities and discussions on topics of common concern for people across the Taiwan Strait, including cultural inheritance, employment, entrepreneurship and public services.

According to An, this year's forum will include a youth leadership training camp and innovation contest; activities that will assist Taiwanese seeking employment on the mainland.