Cross-Straits Forum focuses on culture, education

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The 5th Cross-Straits Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum has opened in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan Province, on Saturday.

The fifth Cross-Straits Economic, Trade and Culture Forum opens in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 11, 2009.(Xinhua/Li Ga)

With a record number of participants, the forum is set to focus on cultural and educational exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan.

This forum is as hot as the weather in Changsha.

Established as a mechanism of exchange and understanding, the Cross-straits Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum has become a solid and dynamic platform for discussions on a wide range of topics.

About five-hundred people from the mainland and Taiwan attend the forum. 270 of them are from Taiwan, including representatives from cultural, educational and trade circles and students representatives.

Jia Qinglin, Chairman of CPPCC National Committee, said, "Since April 2006, the forum has been a platform for dialogue between the CPC and KMT. It's also been a communication platform for people from different circles across the Straits. In addition, the forum has been playing a role in reflecting public opinion and guiding the policymaking process. Many agreements made during previous forums have been inked as policies which are benefiting people from across the Straits."