First direct cargo ship reaches mainland

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The customs inspection on the mainland is looking at new methods to allow Taiwan ships to enter more easily.

After a 29-hour voyage to the north, the first cargo ship  from Taiwan reached the mainland's financial hub, bringing  fruits and flowers from the island.

Cao Yincai, officer of Shanghai Local Boundary Inspection Point, said, "We will allow Taiwan ships to apply for a pass ahead of time online. Once their ships reach here, our inspection procedure will be ready, which will save time."

Some mainland harbors are expanding to meet the increasing flow of cargo ships and travellers from Taiwan. Wuhu harbor in the southern Province of Anhui is building a new well-equipped wharf to cope with the traffic.

Direct air service between the mainland and Taiwan has brought direct benefits to tourism industries across the Strait. Shorter flights and cheaper travel is enticing tourists from both sides despite the global economic slowdown.

Lin Kang, manager of Mainland Travel Agency, said, "The direct benefit to mainland consumers is the lowering price of travel to Taiwan. Our package to Taiwan costs between seven and eight thousand yuan, which is a 20% discount on our previous price."

The large number of flights also allows travel agencies to arrange short tours to Taiwan, which wasn't possible prior to the opening of direct transport links.