Direct charter flights just a signing ceremony away?

TAIPEI (XFN-ASIA) - Ma Ying-jeou, who will be sworn in as Taiwan's president on May 20, said weekend charter flights between Taiwan and China and first direct arrival in July of mainland tourists to the island are just awaiting a sign-off by top political leaders on both sides, the Commercial Times reported.

He was quoted as saying that private industry representatives had been entrusted to talk with Chinese officials about the issues immediately after his victory in the presidential election in March.

Documents are now being readied for signing by the two sides, he said.

The quasi-official Straits Exchange Foundation will be empowered to seal the matter after Ma takes office, according to the report.