XIAMEN, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing Straits Forum has won applause from participants from Taiwan.

The general conference of the 10th Straits Forum opened Wednesday in the port city of Xiamen, in east China's Fujian Province.

"I see many young people from Taiwan at the event," said Tseng Tze-yun, taking part in the forum for the first time. "I think it is important for Taiwan's young people to step out of their comfort zone, and the forum provides an opportunity for young people from both sides to communicate with each other."

Tseng Kuan-ying, also from Taiwan, shared his success story at a sub-forum.

"I have a successful tea business here," said Tseng, who runs a company in Fujian's Zhangzhou. "I even met my wife at the 4th Straits Forum."

Tseng has been doing business on the mainland for 14 years, and hopes that events like the forum will help with more exchanges.

The Straits Forum, which began Tuesday, is seeing thousands of participants from Taiwan, including representatives of political parties, cities and counties, and people of all walks of life. A total of 69 activities will be held, covering topics such as the public interest, the next generation, economy and finance, cross-Strait marriage and traditional culture, according to the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.