BEIJING - The Chinese mainland has opened 40 professional qualification tests to Taiwan residents, Fan Liqing, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The qualification tests include the economist test, the certified accountant test, the bar exam, the registered architect test, the patent agent tests and others, said Fan, who added that related departments of the Chinese mainland are now considering opening more professional qualification tests for Taiwan residents.

In the meantime, the Chinese mainland is also considering exempting Taiwan residents from taking some qualification tests "when conditions are ripe," Fan said.

As the traditional Chinese Spring Festival approaches, Fan said the mainland's civil aviation body has approved 428 flights in the first round of extra flights to allow Taiwan residents living in the mainland to return home for the holiday.

The mainland's civil aviation body will approve more extra flights upon application by airliners, Fan said.