Round-the-clock border points proposed

Eunice Lam

More border control points between Hong Kong and the mainland should operate 24 hours with colocation arrangements, China's top economic planning body has proposed.

This is according to a three-year action plan by the National Development and Reform Commission on improving the business environment in the Greater Bay Area.

Lawmaker Edward Lau Kwok-fan said the arrangement can be first applied in Shenzhen Bay and Heung Yuen Wai ports.

The plan aims to deepen cooperation within the area and enhance market integration and international competitiveness in the GBA.

"After three years of hard work, the Greater Bay Area is expected to be at the forefront of the world in terms of its competitiveness in the business environment," according to the plan.

The plan also aims to increase the area's attractiveness for investors from developed countries in terms of advanced manufacturing, modern service industries and strategic emerging industries.

Currently, among the city's 14 border control points, only Huanggang and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge operate round the clock for passengers, while the Shenzhen Bay and West Kowloon High-speed Rail Station are the only two ports with colocation arrangements to streamline the clearance procedures of two places into one.

"Shenzhen Bay port has been operating around the clock for cargo clearance, so by adding slightly more manpower, the port could conduct clearance procedures for passengers too," Lau said.

He said the design of the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai port is capable of conducting clearance round the clock, adding authorities can first extend the port's opening hours.

He said the operating hours of Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line ports - which are both connected to Hong Kong's railway network - can be extended to midnight and further extended to 2am on weekends and public holidays.

Citing the Security Bureau in earlier meetings that manpower was the main reason hindering extended opening hours of border control points, Lau said authorities should streamline clearance procedures by integrating technology and combining security checks and customs clearance.

He also urged authorities to introduce the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme to more border control points, such as the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai or Huanggang ports.

Separately, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki will depart for Beijing tonight to attend a press conference by the State Council Information Office on the development of the GBA tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station - one of Asia's largest - began its operation yesterday after years of renovation. Trains now take around an hour and 20 minutes to travel between Baiyun and Shenzhen north stations - much shorter than previous two hours.

The upgraded Baiyun Station is four times the size of Guangzhounan Station, with seven floors - three above ground and four underground - and consists of 21 departure and arrival tracks, as well as 21 passenger service platforms.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com