Kaohsiung, Jan. 19 (CNA) A fast boat carrying 500 metric tons of Taiwanese fruit and seafood from southern Taiwan sailed from Kaohsiung for China Saturday, Kaohsiung City government said that day.
The shipment, worth NT$22 million (US$712,503), comprised frozen seafood such as squid and saury, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, including pineapple, dragonfruit, guava and cabbage.
The operation was carried out by Taipei Express, a vessel owned by the Taiwan-based Wagon Group, which also offers regular direct ferry services across the strait.
The express shipping means that the produce could reach Pingtan in Fujian Province in about nine hours, compared with the 2-3 days via regular shipping methods, the city government said.
According to Wagon Group, the delivery also marked a first for Taipei Express, which usually operates the Taipei-Pingtan and Taichung-Pingtan routes.
In a ceremony held to mark the shipment, Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu said the express shipping method keeps local farmers and fishermen at a competitive advantage because they can deliver their goods to customers in China faster and more efficiently.
The city hailed the initiative as a first for Kaohsiung and said it hopes to continue working with local producers to expand their market, creating more opportunities for them to sell their goods.
