These 15 are among 18 Taiwanese fruits that can enter the mainland under easier customs clearance, product inspection and quarantine rules, China's Cabinet-level Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) said. The number of Taiwanese fruit imports allowed was increased from 12 to 18 early last month.

China has also begun the selection process for the two giant pandas it promised to Taiwan as a gift.

He Ziyang, vice-head of the Ministry of Agriculture, added that special business zones would be established for Taiwanese farmers in Heilongjiang, Shandong, Sichuan and Fujian provinces.

He said: "Taiwan farmers will enjoy a more flexible investment environment and a sound platform to start their business in the zones."

As for the two giant pandas, Cao Qingyao, a spokesman for the country's forestry bureau, said they would be chosen from among the "cutest, most active and most reproductive" one to four-year-old pandas at a premier panda research centre in Sichuan province.

He added that China and Taiwan would share in naming the pandas. The mainland would give each panda a formal name, while Taiwan would select their nicknames.

Since its red-carpet welcome of Taiwanese opposition leaders Lien Chan and James Soong in late April and early May, the mainland's strategy has been to try and win the hearts of the Taiwanese people while isolating the island's pro-independence forces.

The farm benefits target south Taiwan - a key support base for the island's pro-independence government and a major fruit-growing area.

During their mainland visits, Kuomintang chairman Lien and People First Party chairman Soong called for cross-strait peace and closer economic ties.