Direct services to help both sides

The daily direct cross-Straits transport links that began yesterday would further facilitate exchanges and cut trade costs, experts on both sides said yesterday.

The mainland and Taiwan started direct air, shipping and postal services yesterday to strengthen ties. Earlier, cross-Straits flights and ships had to pass through a third place because of Taipei's ban on regular direct links.

Xu Shiquan, executive vice-president of the National Society of Taiwan Studies, said the direct links were a "breakthrough" in cross-Straits ties. "They will boost cross-Straits trade and civilian exchanges greatly."