Customs officials check postal parcels at Pingtan Port, Fujian province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Pingtan launched a direct mail service to Taiwan when the Haixia ship transported parcels consigned to Fujian Post across the Taiwan Straits on Jan 22, Pingtan Times reported. The parcels will head for Tokyo after customs transfer in Taiwan.

"This is the first time the Haixia has transported direct mail across the Straits," said Lin Pengfei, director of Pingtan's port office.

"The Haixia not only ships produce, aquatic products and other value-added products like LCD panels, but also provides mail service," said Lin Xiuwu, president of the board at Fujian Haixia High-Speed Passenger RORO Shipping Company. "The direct mail service to Taiwan saves time and money. The Haixia will deliver mail on each trip."

The ship will provide an express channel for Fujian-Taiwan direct mail and other international mail services, according to a strategic agreement signed by the Fujian Provincial People's Government and China Post, mother company of Fujian Post.

International mail from the Chinese mainland delivered by the Haixia will be required to undergo customs formalities at Fuzhou, Fujian's provincial capital. The mail can then be transferred to Pingtan Port before heading for Taiwan.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai