Cooperation and exchange between web industries of Chinese mainland and Taiwan was urged by Ye Kedong, vice-minister of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council in Beijing.

Speaking at Cross-Strait Web Industry Development Forum 2009, Ye said Tuesday that Internet entrepreneurs and web industry leaders should spare no efforts to boost economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and develop interactive online communities.

He said now that the "three direct links" (services of trade, mail, air and shippment) are available, and a direct chain of logistics has been estanlished.

Besides, beneficial policies such as direct remittance and exchange, and Taiwan's openning up to the mainland investment, all provide strong momentum for the rapid development of electronic business for both sides, Ye said.

"Therefore, the web industry on both sides should seize the fine opportunity to enhance cooperation and map out directions for future development of the industry together," he said, adding "in this way provide new impetus for the revival and development of the economy of both the mainland and Taiwan."

Ye also said the web industries across the Strait should expand cultural exchange and develop creative web cultural industry, thus building a bridge for the cultural and educational exchange of the two sides.

The two sides should make more efforts to develop interactive web community as a platform for mass communication and exchanges between users at the basic level in both mainland and Taiwan, he added.

The forum is sponsored by the Internet Society of China based in Beijing, and China Times Group of Taipei.

More than 300 entrepreneurs, scholars, and industry leaders from both sides attended the forum which also gives them the first opportunity for meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2009)