Jia Qinglin (C, front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, who is also the chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, declares open the fourth Straits Forum in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 16, 2012. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

XIAMEN -- Top political advisor Jia Qinglin has urged to expand direct exchanges at grassroots level between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, saying that the mainland will carry out more favorable policies to meet Taiwan people's need.

Jia made the remarks Saturday in the coastal city Xiamen at a meeting with 180 guests from both the mainland and Taiwan who were scheduled to attend a forum aimed at promoting cross-Strait grass-roots exchanges.

The Straits Forum, now in its fourth year since its inauguration in 2009, features an array of sub-forums and seminars that focus on "pooling people's opinions and jointly seeking benefits."

"The peaceful development of cross-Strait relations have entered the stage of consolidation. We will continue to implement favorable policies and strengthen political, economic, cultural and social foundations for future development of cross-Strait relations," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Jia, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called for deepened mutual political trust on the basis of opposing "Taiwan independence" and sticking to the "1992 consensus."

Jia said he hopes the mainland and Taiwan will step up negotiations concerning cross-Strait service and trade cooperation, vowing to encourage more mainland enterprises to invest in the island.

Jia also stressed more cross-Strait cooperation in the fields of culture and education.

"Deepening the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations requires the efforts of people from both sides. It's better if cross-Strait exchanges involve more people, more fields and are carried out in greater depth," Jia said.

Jia said the mainland welcomes members of the Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan's main opposition party, to visit the mainland in proper capacities so as to understand mainland's development as well as its policies toward Taiwan.

He also said that the mainland encourages and welcomes those previously supporting "Taiwan independence" to return to the direction of supporting peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

During the meeting, Kuomintang Vice Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu said cross-Strait relations have shown promising prospect.

Calling upon both sides to make more efforts to overcome obstacles and promote mutual trust, Hung urged people across the Strait to jointly promote Chinese culture and create favorable environment for further exchange and cooperation.