Policy Address

Platform for Professional Services

47. Demand for professional services from regions along the Belt and Road is strong. The $200 million Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme announced in last year’s Policy Address was launched two months ago to support the professional sectors in their exchanges, co-operation and related publicity efforts targeting overseas markets.

48. In support of the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong can provide training programmes for the Belt and Road countries. The MTR Academy has embarked on initial discussions with the rail operators of several countries. The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy established by the Airport Authority (AA) signed an agreement last month with Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (National School of Civil Aviation) of France to jointly nurture aviation professionals for Hong Kong and the region. The HKSAR Government is also prepared to organise talks or short-term training on the operation of the HKSAR Government for visiting officials from Belt and Road countries to enhance co-operation.

Relaxing Visa Requirements to Facilitate Movement

49. To foster co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and countries along the Belt and Road, the Government will consider relaxing visa requirements for nationals of those countries for employment, study and visit. We have reached a consensus with Belarus on mutual visa exemption and are planning to relax visa requirements for Cambodian nationals.

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