BEIJING — The mainland will create better conditions for the development of Taiwan enterprises, with unchanged preferential policies, said a mainland official on April 29.

The mainland will continue to support Taiwan enterprises and maintain their rights and interests in accordance with the law, said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference.

Ma said enterprises and people across the Taiwan Straits have benefited since the 1992 Consensus.

In response to a question, Ma said the Shanghai-Hong Kong stock connect program is operating smoothly, and a “Shanghai-Taiwan stock connect” program is being discussed.

“We hope to deepen cross-Straits cooperation in capital markets and provide a new platform, at the right time, for Taiwanese compatriots to enjoy the mainland’s economic achievements,” said Ma.

Through improved free trade zones, the mainland will create new opportunities for medium and small Taiwan enterprises in order to boost cross-Straits economic ties.