The first Cross-Straits Youth Development Forum is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on July 8. [Photo by Liang Zhen/zjol.com.cn]

The first Cross-Straits Youth Development Forum, with a theme of "working together for new era", took place in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province on July 8.

More than 500 young people from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan attended the forum and took part in discussions on the future development of both sides .

Che Jun, Party chief of Zhejiang, highlighted the important role the province has been playing in boosting ties across the Straits, saying Zhejiang has done a lot of work to promote the exchanges between young people from both sides. “Young people represent the future of the nation, as well as the future of cross-Straits relations,” Che remarked.

The Party chief also announced that Zhejiang will release a document which stipulates more benefits for people and companies from Taiwan during his address at the opening ceremony of the forum. It will ensure that Taiwan compatriots enjoy the same treatment as Zhejiang residents in education, employment, business and welfare, said Che.

Liu Jieyi, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stressed the benefits that good cross-Straits relations will bring to young people, saying "The young generation of Taiwan will get more opportunities from this friendship."

Hung Hsiu-chu, former Kuomintang chairwoman, extended her hope that people from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan can join hands in facing up to the challenges presented by and grasping opportunities offered in the new era.

After eight keynote speeches given by various guest speakers from across the Straits, three parallel discussion sessions themed on opportunities, culture and charity were held at the forum.

Che Jun, Party chief of Zhejiang province, addresses the opening ceremony of the forum on July 8. [Photo by Liang Zhen/zjol.com.cn]