A new direct transportation link has been established between the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan Province. Passenger ferry services started operating Saturday between Zhangzhou City and the Jinmen islands.

It's the first time in 50 years. Thirty local entrepreneurs from the Chinese Mainland city of Zhangzhou took advantage of the ferry's maiden voyage. They are travelling to the other side of the Taiwan Straits to promote their businesses. The delegation is planning a trade fair on the Jinmen Islands.

Vice Mayor of Zhangzhou City Xu Shaoqin said, "The trade partnership between Zhangzhou city and the Jinmen Islands can't be established without certain conditions. Smooth communication, direct transport and free flow of market information are vital."

Four cities in Fujian Province -- Xiamen, Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Pujian -- have already set up direct ferry links with Jinmen. Now the addition of Zhangzhou is set to give a further boost to the economic zone taking shape west of the Taiwan Straits.

Source: CCTV News