Fujian has become the front line of China’s reforms and hopes more young people from across the Taiwan Straits will participate in its reform and development, according to a senior Party official in the province.

Chen Hua, a member of the standing committee of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee, speaks at the the 12th Straits Youth Forum in Xiamen on June 14. [Peng Juan/China Daily]

The young generation is the future of both sides of the Straits, and the beneficiaries of cross-Straits peace and development. It is also the backbone to boost cross-Straits ties. The young people are encouraged to start their careers in Fujian and contribute to its reforms and development, said Chen Hua, a member of the standing committee of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee, on Saturday.

Chen made the remarks at the 12th Straits Youth Forum, which is an important part of the ongoing 6th Straits Forum, which runs from June 14 to 20.

The Straits Youth Forum has been an occasion for young people to exchange ideas and discuss social development. This year, with the theme of "China Dream and Chinese Affection", the forum focuses on topics that interest young people, such as culture, innovation and creativity.

“We at the Straits Youth Forum will go from strength to strength and become a mind-blowing cultural feast for young people from across the Straits,” Chen said.

Fujian is the most vigorous region of cross-Straits communications and cooperation on the Chinese mainland. The volume of imports of Taiwan products reached $9.63 billion last year. And more than 210,000 people from the province made tours to Taiwan. The growing cultural and economic communications have led to more benefits for people on both sides.

The central government is also increasing its endorsement of Fujian’s development. It has released documents supporting Fujian to build a demonstration zone for ecological civilization, and piloting financial reforms in Quanzhou. Pingtan will boast more favorable policies for cross-Straits cooperation, all of which have created a large space for young people from across the Straits to take action, she added.