BEIJING, May 3 (UPI) -- The director of China's Taiwan Affairs offices for the Communist Party and State Council on Tuesday promised greater access for the island's produce.
Chen Yunlin made the comments in Shanghai at the end of Kuomintang chairman Lien Chan's eight day trip to the mainland.
In a move described by Xinhua as a "third gesture of goodwill" coming out of Lien's visit, China wants to expand market access in agriculture. China also promised to send giant pandas and boost Taiwan tourism with mainland visits.
The list of approved Taiwan fruit imports will expand from 12 to 18 varieties and China is offering zero tariffs on at least 10 types of fruit from the island, which it considers a breakaway province under its jurisdiction.
State-run media quoted Chen saying the mainland "is ready to provide convenience in terms of customs, inspection and quarantine for Taiwan fruits in the mainland market."
Chen hoped "relevant departments in charge of the issue will give a green-light to Taiwanese agricultural organizations holding consultations with the mainland on place of origin certificates, inspection, quarantine as well as direct transport to improve efficiency."
