XIAMEN - The Chinese mainland on Sunday announced a group of favorable policies to facilitate more frequent and convenient exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan people.

Zhang Zhijun, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, announced the new policies at the 5th Straits Forum, which opens in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Sunday.

According to one policy, additional 11 provincial entry-exit administrative departments on the mainland will receive applications of Taiwan compatriots who reside on the mainland for the renewal of their entry permits.

The mainland will also open 10 more categories of professional qualification examinations to Taiwan residents, support Taiwan people graduated from the mainland's colleges to start their own businesses, and provide subsidies for entrepreneurship training to students from Taiwan.

Mainland to continue Taiwan policies for peaceful ties: top official