A Sichuan-Taiwan forum opened Wednesday in southwest China's Sichuan Province to discuss the opportunities in China's drive to develop western regions.

Entrepreneurs from Sichuan and Taiwan focused their discussions on potential opportunities for cooperation and the challenges China may face as it develops its western region.

A number of Taiwan businessmen also made speeches at the forum, which is part of the ongoing Sixth Western China International Economy & Trade Fair, on the prospects of cooperation in the stock market, biotechnology, traditional Chinese medicine, Internet technology and the retail sector.

According to statistics, 1,186 Taiwan-based companies have opened branches in Sichuan, involving an investment of nearly 2.3 billion US dollars,including 1.56 billion US dollars from Taiwan.

Seventeen Taiwan-funded firms registered their businesses ranging from electronics, light industry, food and clothing in the first quarter of this year, with a gross investment of 205 million US dollars.

Source: Xinhua