A folk carnival was held during last year's Straits Forum. Provided to China Daily

The second Straits Forum will be held in nine cities in Fujian province from June 19 to 25. Sixty-two organizations from both sides of the Taiwan Straits will jointly run the one-week pageant, which consists of 24 events.

The forum is held against a background of deepening communications and cooperation across the Straits after President Hu Jintao's visit to Fujian during the Chinese New Year, and the State Council declared to accelerate the development of the Western Coast Economic Zone one year ago.

The forum will focus on improving people-to-people communication, and furthering economic cooperation across the straits.

The main venue of the forum will be located in Xiamen where an opening ceremony will be staged.

The other eight cities in Fujian province will also host a series of activities ranging from professional seminars to folk-custom carnivals.

The forum will draw the participation of people from all walks of life.

In addition to delegations from governmental organizations, business circles and educational institutions, representatives from ethnic groups on both sides, non-governmental organizations, and people of different faiths are also invited to the event.

The forum will, for the first time, discuss the nation's west development program.

The Straits Forum is the most important event for people-to-people exchanges held in Fujian province. Hu Meidong / China Daily