Hong Kong and Macau-registered yachts may be permitted to sail in China’s Pearl River Delta
Proposal seen as creating a boost in sales of vessels although there are concerns that smugglers and mainland tax evaders may take advantage
Guangdong is considering allowing yachts registered in Hong Kong and Macau to sail in the Pearl River Delta, state media has reported.
If the province opens up its waters and marinas, industry insiders on the mainland expect a boost in yacht sales but are concerned that smugglers or pregnant mainlanders could take advantage of the travel pass.
"The authorities of the three areas have been studying for years the feasibility of a cross-border sailing scheme, first suggested by the Guangdong government," said Sunny Tao, a senior salesman with Simpson Marine, one of the mainland's biggest yacht broker companies.
"However, they have made no progress because of concerns about smuggling, marine damage and the difference in taxes between the areas."
The Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration was drafting a yacht-management regulation that would allow Hong Kong and Macau boats to access its waters and marinas, according to a China News Service report.
The Guangdong maritime authorities had held several talks with their Hong Kong and Macau counterparts and were studying the idea of introducing a yacht pass for travel between the regions, the navigation department of the bureau said.
Department director Wu Jiansheng said the idea, if realised, would be a significant step in promoting economic development.
