GROWING demand from the strengthening cooperation between Zhejiang province and Taiwan had prompted Ningbo to commence a direct cross-strait container shipping service, Xinhua reports.

Operated by Ningbo Ocean Shipping Co Ltd, the service calls at Taiwan's port of Keelung, Taichung and Kaohsiung. Cargo from Ningbo can now be shipped to Keelung within just one day with the new service, which has given greater convenience to transportation between Taiwan and Zhejiang province.

Ningbo Port Group and Ningbo Ocean Shipping Co Ltd, are to sign cooperation agreement with Taiwan International Ports Corporation, the operator of the Taiwan ports, on further developing the new service and working together to combine the strengths of Ningbo and Taiwan ports to ensure efficient logistics service for trade between Zhejiang and Taiwan.