A forum on cross-Straits charity was held in Xiamen on June 15, aimed at boosting the cooperation on the sector of social work and public welfare between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Part of the ongoing Straits Forum, the event was the first of its kind in the history of the forum. The gathering attracted more than 300 participants from social organizations, community service agencies and enterprises on both sides of the Straits.

"As people's livelihoods are always high on the agenda of governments on the two sides, the cooperation in carrying out charity projects and activities could help enhance the cross-Straits relations to a new level," Ye Kedong, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at the opening ceremony of the forum.

Authorities on both sides need to beef up efforts to encourage more people and enterprises to participate in charity work, and to promote the development of cross-Straits public welfare undertakings in the near future, Ye added.

Winston Chao, a famous Taiwan movie star who has long been involved in the sector, noted charity is a field where an ordinary person can make a large contribution.

"Whether you are in Taiwan or on the mainland, and no matter what your job is, you could engage in charity undertakings whenever you want," Chao said.

"A philanthropist is not necessarily a millionaire, average people could give a hand to those who are in need," he said.

Chao Yi, director general of the Chinese Culture Promotion Association in Taiwan, said the mainland and Taiwan can collaborate on some projects to maintain the sustainable development of public welfare.