China unveils new measures to facilitate opening-up, international exchanges

China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) has unveiled an array of new measures on Sunday that bring more conveniences to the entry and exit management of the public and businesses, including streamlining document processing and application, extending the duration of business stay, and meeting diverse tourism needs, which observers said represents the country's stepped-up effort in promoting high-level opening-up and facilitating international exchange.

The fresh move, adding to a list of policies that promote the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), will greatly facilitate business, people-to-people and tech know-how exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong as well as Macao Special Administrative Regions (SARs), according to observers. They pointed out that as the link-up further gears up, the scope of interaction between the Chinese mainland and the two regions is poised to become "deeper and broader."

That also presages more business opportunities - building upon Hong Kong's role as a "super connector between the Chinese mainland and the world, as well as Macao's unique position as a free trade port.

It is set to inject new vitality to the two regions' developments, boost economies and is thus conducive to their long-term prosperity and stability from a long-term perspective, analysts said.

Under the new policies, which will take effect on May 6, residents aged 16 or above (except for civil servants and active military servicemen) in 20 pilot cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, will be able to renew and reissue their passports, as well as travel documents to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions via online platform.

Chinese mainland residents who apply for multi-entry to Hong Kong and Macao with business purpose can use smart equipment to get a quick-access endorsement. In addition, the duration of stay for holders of business endorsement to Hong Kong and Macao will be extended from seven days to 14 days.

Specific policies have also been set up for high-level talent and certain key groups, among other policies to shore up outbound tourism to the two SARs.

Beijing and Shanghai will be included into the policy of issuing multi-entry endorsements with a validity of one to five years for six designated categories of talent to travel to Hong Kong and Macao, with a duration of stay less than 30 days for each trip.

The arrangement was initially only applicable to mainland residents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.