15th Straits Forum Highlights Momentum for Cross-Strait Collaboration
The 15th Straits Forum concluded in Xiamen, Fujian Province, on June 17, reinforcing its role as a key platform for dialogue between the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan. With over 5,000 attendees, this year's event focused on deepening economic integration and expanding cultural exchanges – priorities voiced by many residents of Taiwan during interviews with CGTN Stringer.
\"The forum isn't just about business contracts; it's about building trust through shared goals,\" said one Taiwan-based entrepreneur specializing in green energy partnerships. Recent data shows cross-strait trade reached $319.7 billion in 2023, with growing collaboration in semiconductors and sustainable tech.
Cultural Bonds Strengthen Economic Vision
From joint heritage preservation projects to youth entrepreneurship programs, the forum showcased over 50 grassroots initiatives bridging the Taiwan Strait. Organizers emphasized that 42% of this year's participants were under 35, reflecting younger generations' stake in cross-strait cooperation.
Local officials from Fujian – the mainland province closest to Taiwan – announced streamlined policies for Taiwan businesses investing in AI and renewable energy sectors. \"Our fates are interconnected,\" a Xiamen tech incubator manager told attendees. \"Solving supply chain challenges needs cooperation, not confrontation.\"
Reference(s):
Taiwan residents hope cross-Straits economic ties strengthen exchanges
cgtn.com
