DAB homes in on electronic return permits

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong has put forward suggestions ahead of the "Two Sessions" meetings to be held in Beijing next month.

They aim to improve cross-border clearances, promote environmental sustainability in the Greater Bay Area, and attract more mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong.

One of the key proposals is the digitization of the mainland travel, or home return, permit for Hong Kong and Macau residents. Iris Wong Ping-fan, also a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress, suggested introducing electronic permits.

Wong also recommended implementing a collaborative inspection and joint clearance mode at new and rebuilt ports, such as at the Sha Tau Kok and Huanggang crossings.

She suggested "extending opening hours for crossings during weekends and public holidays."

Specifically, she cited a need to keep open Luohu port until 2 am and Liantang port until midnight. Currently, only Huanggang operates around the clock, with Wong saying Shenzhen Bay, Futian and Liantang too need to go 24 hours.

The DAB also proposed collaboration between cities in the Greater Bay Area in waste disposal and recycling.

Starry Lee Wai-king, Hong Kong's sole member of the NPC standing committee, said there is a need for Hong Kong to work together with other GBA cities to address its lack of space and capacity for waste recycling.

She said Hong Kong can only accommodate 16,000 tonnes of solid waste in landfills per day.

Kennedy Wong Ying-ho, another NPC deputy, suggested promoting Hong Kong as the preferred choice for mainland firms seeking overseas listings.

The DAB also proposed promoting patriotic education among young Hongkongers.

Brave Chan Yung, vice chairman and a NPC deputy, suggested increasing open days for the military sites of the People's Liberation Army's Hong Kong garrison.

He also proposed including visits to military sites in the education curriculum and inviting the army to provide primary and secondary students with a historical overview of its operations.

The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong also announced 14 suggestions and proposals. These include building a free trade cooperation zone in the Greater Bay Area, launching scholarships for Chinese students studying overseas, and enhancing cross-border e-commerce in the GBA.

The 14th NPC will hold its annual session in Beijing on March 5, a day after the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference opens.