Over 100 civil organizations from Taiwan join cross-Strait exchange event in Beijing

BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- More than 500 guests from over 100 Taiwan-based civil societies, groups and other social organizations gathered in Beijing on Friday to attend a cross-Strait exchange event involving various social organizations.

The event brings together social organizations from both sides for visits and exchanges spanning culture, technology, health care, grassroots governance and youth affairs. Organizers are also planning a series of themed forums for relevant groups from both Beijing and Taiwan.

Zhang Zhijun, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, said at the opening ceremony that civil organizations in Taiwan have broad influence among the people on the island, while calling on relevant groups to encourage more people from Taiwan to visit the mainland and see its development and changes firsthand, and to promote cross-Strait exchanges.

A cross-Strait market, also held on Friday, featured a range of well-known brands from Beijing and Taiwan, giving visitors an opportunity to experience local products and cultural charms from both sides in one place.