The Chinese mainland will allow residents of Hong Kong and Macau to take their Hong Kong private cars across the border, the city’s leader said on Monday, another sign of easing restrictions after the lifting of strict COVID-19 controls..
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said in his annual policy address that the plan would be implemented as soon as possible but offered no details on when it would begin..
The move is seen as a way to boost tourism and trade between the mainland and the two special administrative regions. It is also expected to make it easier for residents of Hong Kong and Macau to visit their families and friends on the mainland..
Currently, only mainland-registered vehicles are allowed to cross the border into Hong Kong and Macau. Hong Kong-registered vehicles are not allowed to cross into the mainland..
The new policy will allow Hong Kong and Macau residents to obtain mainland license plates for their Hong Kong private cars. They will then be able to drive their cars across the border and use them on the mainland..
The policy is expected to be welcomed by residents of Hong Kong and Macau, who have long lobbied for the right to drive their cars across the border. It is also expected to boost the economies of both regions..
In addition to the new policy on private cars, Lee also announced a number of other measures to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and the mainland. These include:.
* Increasing the number of flights between Hong Kong and mainland cities.
* Expanding the use of the yuan in Hong Kong.
* Promoting the development of the Greater Bay Area, a region that includes Hong Kong, Macau, and nine mainland cities.
* Establishing a new cross-border investment fund.
Lee said that these measures were part of the Chinese government’s overall plan to integrate Hong Kong and Macau into the mainland’s economy. He said that the measures would help to create a more prosperous future for all residents of Hong Kong and Macau..
The new policy on private cars is a significant step towards greater integration between Hong Kong and the mainland. It is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both regions and to make it easier for residents of Hong Kong and Macau to visit their families and friends on the mainland..
