Backgrounder: Cross-strait forums

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The April 2006 forum discussed a wide range of issues, including agricultural exchanges, tourism, and cross-straits flights.

At the closing, the mainland announced several new policies to promote economic and trade relations with Taiwan.

These policies include the adoption of a zero import tax on many food items, including 11 kinds of vegetables from Taiwan.

They also include the recognition of university diplomas issued in Taiwan, as well as new rules that allow mainland residents to visit the island.

Six months later, delegates from the two parties got together in Boao. This time, they focused more on agricultural links across the Straits.

The forum also closed with a series of new policies.