Taiwan's fresh produce exports to China have skyrocketed since the introduction of regular direct flights between the two countries across the Taiwan Strait, Radio Taiwan International reported.
Taiwan shipped approximately US$4.3m worth of fruit to China last year, two and a half times what they exported in 2008. Vegetable exports grew more than ten-fold in the same period.
Direct flights between the two nations had been prohibited since 1949, but when Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008 he said he was in favour of stronger economic ties with China.
Taiwan's Council of Agriculture says the country's fruit is popular in China due to its sweetness.
The most popular export products are oranges, grapefruits, pineapples and mangoes.
