The implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan would bring important historical opportunities for the development of overseas Chinese, Qiao Wei, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said at the Chinese Forum held on July 17 in Chicago.

When briefing the Chinese who attended the forum on China’s economic development in 2010, Qiao Wei appealed to them to combine individual advantages with serving China’s development, and in the process finding a new starting point for their own careers.

Qiao expressed his hopes for overseas Chinese to facilitate their development and increase their influence.

First, strengthen bonds with the motherland and actively explore new channels to contact more with the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and its agencies at all levels.

Second, focus on the grand cause of a peaceful reunification of China. Overseas Chinese should engage actively in communication and exchange activities between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits and seek common ground while reserving differences.

In the past years, overseas Chinese have joined hands with mainland Chinese people in helping suffering people weather natural disasters, especially those in Wenchuan, Sichuan province; YuShu, Qinghai province; and Zhouqu, Gansu province.

Qiao said that contributions made by overseas Chinese were a reflection of their love for China and mainland people.

Yang Guoqiang, Chinese consulate-general in Chicago, also expressed his hope of further strengthening ties with the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and providing more and better services for overseas Chinese.