BEIJING -- The Chinese mainland encourages its agricultural businesses to establish "direct, regular and stable" ties with their Taiwanese counterparts in order to expand procurement of Taiwanese farm produce, a spokeswoman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office (SCTAO) said at a regular press briefing Wednesday.

Fan Liqing said mainland enterprises and associations have established cooperative relations with local farmers and collectives in Taiwan this year, purchasing over 1,000 metric tons of fruit from the region during the period.

Fan said mainland purchasing agencies have also made more appearances in Taiwan this year, and mainland companies have been promoting sales of Taiwanese fruit on the mainland as well.

"I believe an increased amount of quality farm produce from Taiwan will enter the mainland market through regular channels," Fan said.