The 2021 Forum for Cross-Strait Youth Development was held in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on Friday, aiming to boost cooperation and communication between the Chinese mainland and its Taiwan region.

Liu Jieyi, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, delivered a message from the central government.

"We welcome more Taiwan youth to come to the mainland to seek and realize their dreams. We will continue to listen to their concerns and expectations, implement favorable policies and offer good conditions for them to study, work and start businesses," Liu said.

"Today, we gather here during this most difficult period and most promising moment. We must keep a clear mind on history and seek common and peaceful development across the Taiwan Straits," urged Hung Hsiu-chu, former Kuomintang Party leader.

She called on Taiwan compatriots to put in efforts to help with the recovery from the heavy rain and floods in central China's Henan Province that has killed 56 people as of Friday.

She also praised the mainland's efforts in aiding Taiwan in its endeavor to vaccinate against COVID-19.

The annual forum this year has attracted more than 350 youth representatives across the Taiwan Straits, most of whom are Taiwan youth who have been studying or doing businesses in the Chinese mainland. They also expressed hope for better cross-strait ties.

"There is a very good business environment and we've received many favorable policies to start businesses in the Chinese mainland," said Lin Qimin, a Taiwan start-up entrepreneur.

"I think there are no boundaries between our young people. The best way for us is to work together and share a common future," said Zong Jiahong, general manager of C. Straits Cafe.

"Cooperation across the Straits should be diverse and extend to different areas. Our young generations have common ground," said Lin Jiayan, a Taiwan entrepreneur based in Hangzhou.