Residents of Taiwan will be allowed to register individual businesses in the Chinese mainland's nine provincial regions, a mainland spokesman said Wednesday.

The saleswomen worked in a trade center for Taiwan fruits in Zhongpu, Xiamen City on December 13. Residents of Taiwan will be allowed to register individual businesses in the Chinese mainland's nine provincial regions, a mainland spokesman said Wednesday.[Photo/Xinhua]

The regions -- Beijing, Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Hubei, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Sichuan and Zhejiang -- will open registration to Taiwanese businesses in the catering services and retail industries from Jan. 1 next year, Yang Yi, a spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a regular press briefing.

Yang also said the first batch of 3,100 kg of fresh pears from Taiwan have been selling well on the mainland since the mainland decided to open its market to pears from Taiwan starting Dec. 14.

Yang noted that the mainland will make every possible effort to support Taiwan-funded enterprises on the mainland, especially small and mid-sized ones, and will particularly assist them amid the background of deepening Eurozone debt crisis.

In addition to favorable policies, the mainland will offer more financing services for Taiwan enterprises and will encourage them to list publicly, Yang said.

The mainland will also help them upgrade operations by offering financial support and business suggestions, he said.

Furthermore, the mainland encourages Taiwanese enterprises and research institutions to make scientific innovations and cooperate with mainland partners, Yang added.

The spokesman said he is planning a personal visit to a Taiwan-themed business street in downtown Beijing for some New Year's shopping.