41.   It added that the permits were expected to be granted soon and that direct shipping could resume immediately.

42.   More liberalization measures by the government here and the mainland authorities are expected after the smooth start of direct shipping in almost five decades, Hsu added.

43.   On Wednesday, negotiators from China and Taiwan reached consensus that efforts toward direct shipping and trade should proceed as quickly as possible.

44.   Taiwanese and Chinese shipping representatives agreed at a meeting in Hong Kong in January to open direct shipping between Kaohsiung and Fuzhou and Xiamen in China for transshipment.

45.   TAIPEI Follow up on preparations for direct shipping links between rival Taiwan and China.

46.   Taiwan and China shipping officials will meet in Hong Kong next week to exchange views on direct shipping between the two rivals, a shipping agency said Thursday.

47.   The direct shipping will begin next week.