Manila, Oct. 1 -- The Ilocos Norte provincial government is pushing for the establishment of direct flights from Laoag City to Kaohsiung, Taiwan for tourism and economic purposes.

In a media interview on Wednesday, provincial tourism officer Aianree Raquel said they are currently in the process of securing an agreement to market Ilocos Norte as a destination for travelers and business people from Taiwan.

"It has been a long and continuing effort since the administration of former Governor and now Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc to entice more tourists and investors in the province by improving our transport connectivity," Raquel said.

A direct flight from Kaohsiung International Airport to Laoag International Airport lasts around ...