The second Cross-Taiwan Straits Firm Development Forum kicked off on July 27 in the city of Qufu, Shandong province. [gufu.gov.cn]

The second Cross-Taiwan Straits Firm Development Forum kicked off on July 27 in the city of Qufu, Shandong province.

Commercial representatives, members of the municipal government, more than 80 well-known enterprises and industrial associations participated in the forum.

Mayor Yang Fengdong addressed the opening ceremony and said Qufu was turning into one of the most economic and culturally dynamic region in China.

The Ministry of Culture and Shandong province are jointly setting up Qufu's Cultural and Economic Zone, which will bring opportunities for economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between Qufu and Taiwan.

The Confucian Temple, a well-known place of historic interest in Qufu, has been offered as a national cross-Taiwan Straits exchange base.

Illinois Tool Works and Continental AG, one of the world's top 500 companies, has also invested in Qufu.