A forum is held in Xiamen of Fujian province on June 17, 2023 to discuss cross-Strait new media cooperation. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 16th Straits Forum is scheduled to take place in Fujian province in mid-June, with the main conference set for June 15. This week-long event will be based in Xiamen, while related activities will unfold in other places in Fujian, as well in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone.

Around 7,000 individuals from various backgrounds in Taiwan have been invited to attend the forum, including representatives from political parties, co-sponsoring organizations, professionals from various industries, leaders of social organizations, and members of religious circles.

Co-hosted by 86 institutions from both sides of the Strait, the forum is titled "Expanding Civil Exchanges, Deepening Integrated Development". It will feature four major activities focusing on grassroots activities, youth, cultural and economic exchanges, with a total of 50 events planned.

Over 1,600 job opportunities will be offered to Taiwan youth, fostering agreements between cross-Strait institutions and companies in areas like rural vitalization, youth entrepreneurship, technology, culture, publishing, public welfare, and financial cooperation, leading to the implementation of several projects related to the integrated development of Taiwan and Fujian.

Since its inception in 2009, the Straits Forum has become the largest and most diverse platform for civil exchanges on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, engaging a wide array of organizations and offering a diverse array of activities.