New direct shipping route cuts time from Taiwan

At the launch ceremony for the freighter service on Saturday, Han said he expected more high-quality products manufactured in Kaohsiung, including farm produce, to be shipped to the mainland.

Farm produce trader Chen Mubin, from Pingtan, said shipping is fast so the freshness of the food can be guaranteed for customers' tables, and he can get a subsidy from the local government.

Pingtan fruit trader Zhou Binhua said fruit from Taiwan sells well on the mainland, and he bought 40 tons of oranges this time.

Media on the island reported recently that the number of mainland tourists to Kaohsiung is expected to increase by at least 20 percent around Spring Festival.

In response, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that the increase is natural and to be expected because mainland tourists have seen the changes taking place in Kaohsiung.

More counties and cities in Taiwan with the correct political stance are welcome to cooperate with mainland cities to benefit people on both sides, he said.

Xinhua contributed to this story.