Hong Kong — Foreign business leaders have welcomed a new permit that simplifies travel to mainland China. On Wednesday, the first batch of non-Chinese permanent residents in Hong Kong received their travel cards.
The permit allows holders to travel to the mainland for up to 90 days per visit during its five-year validity period.
Among the recipients was Dato’ Gan Khai Choon, Chairman of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce. He collected his permit at a China Travel Service center.
“In the early days, we had to apply for a visa to enter mainland China, and Malaysians needed additional permission from our government,” said Gan. “As relations between China and Malaysia improved, we could apply for visas independently, but the process remained cumbersome.”
Gan praised the streamlined application process for the new permit, highlighting the “first-class service” at the application center. He plans to travel to the mainland in the coming weeks.
Alfred Buchner, a former committee member of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, received his permit after applying three weeks ago. Buchner had not traveled to the mainland for seven years, deterred by the visa application process.
“There are many suppliers in China with whom I’ve only communicated via email,” said Buchner. “This travel permit is a significant encouragement to visit China.”
Buchner, who collected his permit with his family, plans to make his first trip to Shenzhen for a weekend getaway.
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