Firms reaping benefits of Cepa Hong Kong companies have exported $1.15 billion worth of tariff-free products to the mainland since the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement was introduced in January last year. A government study submitted to the legislature yesterday said the figure would rise to $1.2 billion this year. More than 600 Hong Kong companies have obtained certificates under the free-trade pact to operate as suppliers on the mainland, of which 27 per cent have already set up shop across the border. Individual mainland tourists made 4.26 million trips to Hong Kong last year under Cepa, which allows mainlanders to visit without joining tour groups. The individual tourists accounted for 35 per cent of total mainland visitors in 2004. Airport still world's best Hong Kong International Airport has been voted the world's best for the fifth consecutive year. The survey by Skytrax, an aviation industry research institute, questioned 5.5 million travellers from more than 90 countries between June last year and last month. TSUNAMI VICTIM IDENTIFIED Thai authorities have confirmed the identity of one more missing Hong Kong resident who died in the Boxing Day tsunami, bringing the death toll of victims from the city to 26. Eighteen residents are still listed as missing.
