Policy Address

Exchanges with Taiwan

38.        To enable Hong Kong to complement enhanced cross-strait relations, the HKSAR Government is strengthening exchanges and co-operation with Taiwan.  The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) will set up an office in Taipei.  The preparatory work is now at the final stage.

39.        We are also encouraging Hong Kong industrial and business leaders, as well as Taiwanese businessmen in Hong Kong, to form a Hong Kong-Taiwan Business Co-operation Committee.  The Committee will facilitate direct communication between enterprises from both places and foster closer co-operation in areas such as trade, investment and tourism.

40.       The Immigration Department will introduce two new measures in January 2009 to provide greater convenience for frequent business visitors and tourists from Taiwan:

(1)        Remove the restriction that limits a person to two iPermit applications within each 30-day period; and
(2)        Extend the limit of stay in Hong Kong from 14 days to 30 days for holders of iPermits and multiple-entry permits. 

41.        I have appointed the Financial Secretary to head an inter-departmental steering committee.  It has been examining and co-ordinating the overall strategy and action plan on closer economic and trade ties with Taiwan.

 

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