A forum on information technology ( IT) and the electronics industry across the Taiwan Straits opened Wednesday in this capital of east China's Fujian Province, which faces Taiwan across the Straits.

More than 50 Chinese and overseas experts and entrepreneurs attending the forum will discuss the prospects and means of cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan in the IT industry.

Speaking at the forum, Chen Yunlin, director of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said that China has consistently promoted cross-Straits cooperation and exchanges in the economic and scientific and technological fields.

A series of laws and regulations have been enacted to encourage and protect Taiwan investment on the mainland, Chen said.

According to Chen, Taiwan investors began to seek business opportunities in the IT industry on the mainland last year, demonstrating rosy prospects for cross-Straits cooperation in high- tech industries.

"We sincerely hope Taiwan's high-tech enterprises will take the opportunity to start up operation on the mainland," Chen added.