JINAN, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Enterprises from Taiwan and Qufu City, hometown of Chinese ancient philosopher Confucius, have inked eight cooperative agreements worth 2.68 billion yuan (437 million U.S. dollars) during a cross-Strait business forum that concluded on Sunday.

　　The Qufu Cross-Strait Enterprises Development Forum that began Friday in Qufu City, Shandong Province, attracted 82 enterprises from both sides.

　　Their cooperation covers new materials, new energy and new information. Participants from both sides also discussed businesses and programs related to vehicles, auto parts, biological medicine and investment in the Taiwan Industrial Zone, which was established in Qufu in 2011.

　　The city of Qufu has held many cross-Strait culture exchange activities, taking advantage of the Qufu International Confucius Cultural Festival. Tens of thousands of tourists from Taiwan have visited the city annually.