CHONGQING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Chiang Pin-kung, chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), arrived in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality Thursday and met with Bo Xilai, secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"Chongqing and Taiwan had more exchanges in recent years. I believe the economic cooperation will bring benefits to both regions," said Bo, hoping that Taiwan companies could seize the opportunities to expand their business in Chongqing.

Bo said last year Chongqing's GDP increased by 14 percent year-on-year, and this year the municipality would possibly keep such growth despite the financial crisis.

"Companies from Taiwan have advantages in technology, management and experiences of world market, while Chongqing has a rapid developing market with rich human resources," said Chiang Pin-kung, noting the potential for economic cooperation is great.

A 14-member delegation led by Chiang arrived here from a visit in the neighboring Sichuan Province. They are also scheduled to visit Shenzhen City in south China's Guangdong Province.