(Negotiations completed and agreements signed on November 4, 2008; Agreements
became effective on December 13, 2008; Agreements implemented on December 15,
2008)
On November 4, 2008, the SEF and the ARATS signed three agreements
on cross-strait sea transport, air transport, and postal service.
Benefits:
1. Air transport: The straightening of the flight path will enable
Taiwanese travelers to head for mainland China without having to detour via Hong
Kong, which will save 62 minutes and 40~45% of fuel costs for each journey. The
total annual savings to travelers and airlines are forecast to exceed NT$3 billion.
2. Sea transport: Vessels crossing the Taiwan Strait will no longer
have to make a detour via Ishigaki or Hong Kong, reducing the time of each voyage
by about 16 to 27 hours and reducing shipping costs by 15% to 30%. Adding in the
saving of third territory visa charges, the cost of each voyage will be reduced
by NT$300,000, enabling shippers to save at least NT$1.2 billion per year.
3. Postal cooperation: Expanding the scope of cross-strait postal
service will make such services faster and more secure.
Sources: