The cross-Straits growth driver transformation forum was held in Jinan,  eastern China's Shandong province on June 19.

The forum gathered around 400 cross-Straits entrepreneurs, heads of industrial and business groups and experts to pool their ideas for improved exchanges and better cooperation.

Vincent Siew, chairman of the Taiwan Council of Cross-Straits Entrepreneur Summit, made remarks at the opening ceremony that Shandong is becoming a preferred destination for Taiwan entrepreneurs and young professionals.

"Shandong province enjoys a good business environment and favorable policies to help them start up their businesses," he added.

Organizers said that the forum was also a good bridge for Taiwan entrepreneurs to seek more business opportunities, taking advantage of the shift from old growth drivers to new ones in Shandong.

Gong Zheng, governor of Shandong province, said that his province has rolled out 56 measures designed to boost commerce between Shandong and Taiwan, covering industry, taxation, finance, staff recruitment and education.

Officials said Shandong has great potential in its commercial links with Taiwan. By the end of May, Shandong province has approved 9,088 Taiwan-funded projects, with a total investment of $26.8 billion, which is the third major source of external investment.

The forum was co-organized by the Jinan municipal government and the Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Shandong Provincial Government.

It was expected to explore new modes for promoting the transformation of growth drivers and seek business opportunities between Shandong and Taiwan.

Four exchange meetings were also launched for cross-Straits businessmen to deepen discussions in the fields of high-end intelligent equipment manufacturing, electronics information and biosciences.

The cross-Straits growth driver transformation forum is held in Jinan, eastern China's Shandong province, on June 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gong Zheng, governor of Shandong province, delivers a keynote speech at the forum on June 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Vincent Siew, chairman of the Taiwan Council of Cross-Straits Entrepreneur Summit, makes a point during his speech to the forum on June 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]