- Mon
- May 20, 2013
- Updated: 12:36pm
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Parallel trading
The influx of parallel traders who buy their stock tax-free in Hong Kong to resell it in mainland China at a profit is causing growing unrest. Residents of Sheung Shui, a town close to China's border, say the increase in parallel importers has pushed up retail prices and causes a general nuisance. Importers argue that their trade benefits the Hong Kong economy.
Shenzhen woman in cross-border raid jailed for 2 months
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A mainland trader arrested during a high-profile crackdown in Sheung Shui last week was sentenced to two months in jail on Monday morning.
Shenzhen resident Zhang Zhuoyan, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of breaching the conditions of her stay in Hong Kong by working as a trader.
She was arrested on Wednesday in a joint operation by Immigration Department and police. They stormed the Advanced Technology Centre, a warehouse near Sheung Shui station where traders packed goods destined for the mainland.
The prosecution said Zhang was found checking goods in the Advanced Technology Centre. She admitted that she had been buying cosmetic products and daily commodities, and was planning to resell them at a profit on the mainland.
“By transporting them to Shenzhen, she could have resold them and made a profit,” the prosecution said. Zhang was visiting the city using a multiple-visit permit, the court heard.
Magistrate Merinda Chow Yin-chu, of the Sha Tin Magistrates’ Court, said the two-month term was reduced from three months because of Zhang’s guilty plea.
Besides Zhang, 130 other mainlanders were arrested in last week’s high-profile crackdown. Six of them have been convicted of the same offence and jailed for two months.
Crowds of mainland traders doing business around Sheung Shui station, near the mainland border, have sparked recent protests by Hongkongers trying to use the congested station and nearby pavements. The government vowed to crack down before last week’s raids.
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6:24pm
Shopping in Hong Kong is not working within its normal legal definition even if the shopper has an intention of trading the goods upon arrival in their home countries. The law has been crudely misused.
I hope Immigration Department will now be even handed and start arresting European and American businessmen who are visiting Hong Kong to negotiate or sign business contracts. Under Immigration Department's crude interpretation and misuse of law, their cases are no different. The businessmen even though probably wearing suits and not pushing trolleys are here to conduct an aspect of trade, no different to the parallel traders. Parallel trading in Hong Kong is generally perfectly legal with a few special exceptions.
6:39pm
But in general correct is the comparison with tourist and tourist who come to HK for shopping (and resell it to their friends and relative back home - electronics, fashion wear and jewellry, watches etc.). What is the difference between them and the parallel traders?
This weekend I am on my way to the Mainland to visit some friends. I will take around 5 cases of Moon Cakes with me as a gift for my friends. Should I be afraid being arrested at the border as well?
2:57pm
1:35pm
Hong Kong laws needs overhauling. Unless we abolish the 150 years old ancient law of champerty and maintenance, we cant see justice done in the courts. Hong Kong courts are getting politically motivated. What was the need of sending this lady to jail? why not fine and remove her from city if she was really guilty.
With respect, look at the 3000 years history of chinese, they do not have justice system. Now Hong Kong is part of china ruled by Chinese.
