Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) will announce a series of measures this year to boost the territory's shipping industry, said Yeh Kuang-shih, a deputy minister.

During a New Year reception by the island's shipping association, Yeh lauded operators for their success last year, in the midst of a global downturn, reported The China Post.

To further stimulate the industry's growth, MOTC will announce several measures, including giving a tax break on foreign container vessels re-exporting products through Taiwan's free trade ports, establishing a port authority regulating Taiwan's four major ports, and setting up an electronic platform providing one-stop services for operators, he said.