For Immediate Release
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) welcomes the Central Government’s announcement on 1 July that non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents will be able to apply for a Mainland travel permit starting 10 July to facilitate cross-border visits..
Individuals holding the card-type document will be able to use the self-service clearance at control points of the Mainland, significantly enhancing clearance efficiency and saving considerable time. They will be able to travel to the Mainland multiple times, with each visit not exceeding 90 days during the five-year validity of the card.
While applying for a multiple entry visa to China is simple, and the Central Government has even been expanding the list of countries whose residents can visit visa-free, they still need to go through the time-consuming passport lanes. The new measure will significantly reduce the immigration clearance procedure time.
HKGCC had been urging the Government to launch such a card for foreigners living here, so it is great to see the authorities are listening to the business sector’s recommendations.
HKGCC also welcomes the conclusion of consultations between the Ministry of Commerce and the HKSAR Government for further liberalisation of trade in services under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). As the new measures target service sectors, which Hong Kong companies enjoy a competitive advantage in, the new preferential treatment will help them to tap further into the Mainland market. HKGCC looks forward to more details being announced once the agreement has been formally signed.
Media inquiries: Please contact Ms Ally Wan at 2823-1266 / [email protected]