Kuomintang (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan arrived in Beijing Thursday afternoon to attend a cross-Straits economic and trade forum.

 

Lien Chan is expected to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the forum. Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will meet with him during the forum which will be held here from April 14 to 15.

 

Lien delivered a brief speech on his arrival at the Beijing Capital International Airport. He said he visited Beijing for the first time last April and was honored to share a common wish for cross-Strait peace and development with Hu Jintao. He said he became more familiar with Beijing thanks to this second visit and even felt at home this time.

 

They have come to attend the forum as cross-Straits economic and trade ties have become very close and the globalization is speeding up, Lien said.

 

Lien expressed his expectation to boost economic and trade cooperation across the Taiwan Straits with join efforts under a peace and win-win frame, thus to promote people's happiness and social prosperity.

 

Lien said his delegation comprised entrepreneurs, experts and representatives of public opinions, as well as KMT senior officials. "They came here all representing people's sincere wish," he said.

 

"The first step is always difficult, yet one person with high aspirations and determination will gradually make it," He said. "Cross-Straits compatriots now need mutual help and benefit, and we should seize the best opportunity at this time to make concerted efforts."

 

"I brought with me the heart-felt blessings by Taiwan people for the mainland compatriots," Lien said.

 

Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee welcomed Lien and his delegation at the airport.

 

The upcoming forum will focus on cross-Straits economic and trade exchange and direct flights.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2006)