BEIJING - Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng Wednesday welcomed Taiwan trade unions to play a constructive role in cross-Straits exchanges and economic cooperation.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a meeting with visiting trade union leaders from the island.

Yu expressed his appreciation for the efforts Taiwan trade unions have made to promote cross-Straits peace.

Trade unions and their members from both sides of the Taiwan Straits are always an important force to promote peace and development, he said.

"We welcome more and more trade union members to engage in cross-Straits exchanges and inject stronger motivation in peace and development across the Straits," he said.

The mainland hopes Taiwan trade unions will continue playing a constructive role in cross-Straits economic cooperation and protection of the rights of workers, he said.

Taiwan trade union leaders attended a cross-Straits trade union forum in Beijing Monday.