The Straits Forum, the largest annual event for cross-Straits exchanges, kicks off on Saturday in the Southeastern port city of Xiamen in Fujian province. The week-long event will focus on employment and entrepreneurship among youth groups. Discussions will be held between young entrepreneurs from both the mainland and Taiwan.

Meanwhile, a sideline think-tank forum will be held for the first time. About 80 experts from both sides will discuss topics such as the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as methods to improve cross-straits communication and joint development. The event also features an array of activities on cross-Straits cultural exchanges.

The annual forum began in 2009. Last year, cross-Straits trips between Taiwan and the mainland exceeded 9.8 million, up nearly 5 percent compared with a year earlier.