SHANGHAI-- The first forum of elites from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan opened here Thursday, aiming at boosting the development of cross-Straits relations.

　　　　　　　　　     
Jia Qinglin(R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee shakes hands with James Soong, chairman of the People First Party (PFP) in Taiwan at the opening session. (Xinhua photo)

Jia Qinglin, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and James Soong, chairman of the People First Party (PFP) in Taiwan are present at the opening session.

　　　　　　　　　     
James Soong, chairman of the People First Party in Taiwan delivers a speech at the first session of the cross-Strait elites forum which is held in Shanghai Sept.15, 2005.(Xinhua photo)

More than 120 scholars and business celebrities from both sides of the Straits will discuss issues such as the economic development of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan businessmen's investment in the mainland, direct air and shipping links across the Straits, the prospect of agricultural exchange and cooperation between the two sides, and improvement in cross-Straits investment and trade during the two-day forum.

Jointly sponsored by Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the policy research center of the PFP Central Committee, the forum is regarded as a major step in implementing the communique issued after the meeting between General Secretary Hu Jintao of the CPC Central Committee and PFP Chairman James Soong in May.