Beijing will reconsider its individual tourist policy in response to concerns in Hong Kong over overcrowding and stressed public facilities. Photo: Internet
Beijing to reconsider individual tour scheme to HK
President Xi Jinping said China will reconsider its policy on outbound tours in response to concerns in Hong Kong, Sing Tao Daily reported Tuesday.
Xi made the comment during a meeting with a Hong Kong business delegation on Monday.
He said the mainland wants to share the fruits of its economic success with Hong Kong by allowing Chinese tourists to visit on individual permit, rather than group visa.
However, Beijing will reevaluate the policy amid complaints from Hong Kong people about overcrowding and increased strain on public resources from an influx of mainlanders, the report said, citing entertainment magnate Peter Lam, chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Lam said the local tourism industry is worried that reducing the number of mainland tourists will adversely affect Hong Kong’s retail and hotel sectors.
Xu Shaoshi, chief of the National Development and Reform Commission, said Hong Kong’s concerns will be included in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016 to 2020).
China’s top economic planner will also consider giving Hong Hong investors national treatment. Presently, they are regarded as foreign investors.
Meanwhile, Beijing is encouraging Hong Kong investors to participate more actively in the ongoing reform of state-owned enterprises in telecommunications, petrochemical and pipeline construction, among others.
The Chinese leaders discussed economic issues with the delegation and there was no mention of politics, the report said.
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