Customs offices nationwide had implemented expedited advance clearance for 201 shipments of quake relief materials and rescue personnel as of 11:00 AM on Friday, the General Administration of Customs said.

These included 120 shipments of disaster relief materials and rescuers from 31 countries and regions including Russia, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Spain and Japan.

Another 81 shipments contained medicine, international maritime satellite telephones, diesel generators, helicopter spare parts and other necessities.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2008)