The second Straits Youth Development Forum is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang on July 6. Che Jun, Party chief of the province, delivered an address at the opening ceremony. [Photo/Zhejiang Fabu WeChat]

The second Straits Youth Development Forum, under the slogan "joining hands for a bright future", took place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on July 6.

More than 800 guests and young people from across the Taiwan Straits gathered in the eastern Chinese city, looking to write a new chapter in the history of Zhejiang-Taiwan exchanges and cooperation.

Focusing on youth development and the shared mission of the peoples in both regions, seven guests delivered keynote speeches at the main forum and exchanged ideas with attendees.

Che Jun, Party chief of Zhejiang province, extended a welcome to all participants, noting that Zhejiang has the most frequent exchanges with Taiwan of any region in China. Currently, Zhejiang is pushing ahead with the implementation of policies and measures regarding Taiwan, according to Che, hoping to offer a stronger sense of gain to Taiwan compatriots and enterprises.

In the address, the Party chief announced that Zhejiang will release another five measures to help Taiwan residents study, live and work in the East China province. At the same time, Zhejiang will provide 3,000 jobs and internship programs for Taiwan youth, as well as 1,000 sites for e-commerce training. Che said that 29 colleges and universities, including Zhejiang University and the China Academy of Art, will be encouraged to enroll more Taiwan students, and young people there are encouraged to start businesses in Zhejiang.

Liu Jieyi, head of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, remarked that young people are the future of the nation. He hopes that they can shoulder more responsibilities and harness their dreams into the country's development.

Following the main forum, there were two sub-forums which heard voices speak about enjoyment and creativity, and an evening gala offering awards to young representatives who have made significant contributions to cross-Straits exchanges.