Eight economic and trade projects valued at 3.29 billion yuan ($462.8 million) were signed between several districts and counties in Chongqing and Taiwan during the opening ceremony of the 17th Chongqing-Taiwan Week, which kicked off on Tuesday in the municipality's Yuzhong district.

These collaborative projects primarily focus on the health and wellness industry, entrepreneurial services, and intelligent technology.

According to the organizers, the week will feature several sub-events, including activities in economic and trade cooperation, youth exchanges, cultural exchanges, and grassroots interactions.

"Chongqing has deep historical ties with Taiwan, and our exchanges and interactions are becoming increasingly close," said Chongqing Mayor Hu Henghua during the opening ceremony.

By the end of June, the number of Taiwan-funded enterprises in Chongqing had risen to 2,299, with actual utilized investment reaching $8.06 billion.

From January to July, Chongqing received 158,524 visits from the island, a year-on-year increase of more than 55 percent, making the island the second-largest source of tourists to Chongqing, following Malaysia.

During the same period, Chongqing's exports to Taiwan amounted to 8.71 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.8 percent, while imports from the island reached 30.83 billion yuan, up 48.6 percent year-on-year.

From January to June, over 18,00 young people from Taiwan visited the municipality, marking a year-on-year increase of 45 percent.

The Chongqing municipal government and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council co-hosted the event, which was supported by the Cross-Strait CEO Summit.