HKGCC WELCOMES EXTENSION OF OPERATING HOURS OF CONTROL POINTS AT LO WU AND LOK MA CHAU

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) supports the Government's decision to extend the operating hours of border control points at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau, effective from 1 December 2001. The Chamber believes the move will facilitate the more efficient transportation of cargoes and the flow of passengers between Hong Kong and the mainland.

"This is a step in the right direction," a Chamber spokesman said. 'We are delighted that the Hong Kong SAR government has considered and accepted the business community's suggestion of prolonging the operating hours of our border control points. It will certainly help strengthen the bilateral transportation of goods between Hong Kong and the Mainland of China. "

The HKGCC agrees with the Government that the extension of control points' operating hours will be beneficial to Hong Kong's economy. More importantly, the long-term merits to be brought by such move is of paramount importance.

Finally, HKGCC also welcomes the increase of number of cargo checking lanes at Lok Ma Chau and Huangjiang.

For further information, contact Dr Eden Woon on 2823-1211.