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Chris Yeung

Four major business bodies last night put forward a joint appeal to the Chief Executive for speedy improvement of the flow of people and goods at cross-border checkpoints.

But the three business chambers and the Real Estate Developers' Association have dropped a controversial proposal for immediate 24-hour opening of the border crossings.

The three chambers are the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong Chinese Manufacturers Association and the Hong Kong Federation of Industries.

The Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce has pulled out from the joint appeal.

Sources said the chamber had refused to take part after the issue of round-the-clock opening of checkpoints became politicised.

Last night's submission, sent to the Chief Executive's Office, followed a meeting of leaders of the five business bodies on October 12 held to discuss what more the Government could do to revive the economy.

The participants had reached initial consensus on a five-item proposal for the Government to quicken and widen economic co-operation and integration with the mainland.

It included calls for an immediate 24-hour operation of border checkpoints.

Top officials including Financial Secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung have ruled out an immediate 24-hour opening.

After the idea was leaked and became seen as political pressure put by the business coalition on the Government, some business leaders softened their demand on the 24-hour opening issue.

It is understood that the final proposals included five items. They are:

Improvement of the flow of people and goods at the border as soon as possible;

Relaxing the existing restrictions to allow people from Shenzhen to make day trips to Hong Kong;

Implementation of new arrangements for mainland visitors to Hong Kong at the earlier possible time;

Making arrangements for mainland investors to stay in Hong Kong;

Extending the existing policy of accepting mainland professionals from the information technology and finance sectors to cover all professionals.

The Chief Executive's Office last night confirmed the letter had been received and said the proposals would be considered.



Business groups' list of proposals omits 24-hour border crossings