The index value ranges from zero to one. The larger the number is, the higher cooperation level that can be reached in cold chain logistics between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

In 2017, the index was 0.58, showing a good overall situation of cross-Straits cooperation in the sector, Li said.

The Ministry of Commerce and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council launched the cross-Straits cold chain logistics cooperation in 2010, and approved five cities - Beijing, Tianjin, Xiamen, Wuhan and Kunshan - to be pilot cities for the cooperative program in 2011 and 2014.

In August of the current year, seven cities, including Ningbo, Quanzhou, Dongguan and Chengdong, were selected as new pilot cities, as well as the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Area.