Guangdong blueprint seeks to erase digital border with Hong Kong and Macau, expanding ‘one-hour living’ circle
- Plan promises to make booking tickets, registering businesses, clearing airport immigration and even obtaining social welfare payments easier
- Under three-year-plan, Hongkongers will be able to sign legal documents electronically and use home return permits to verify their identity for purchases
Guangdong has rolled out a plan to allow Hong Kong and Macau businesses and residents to electronically access public services on either side of the border, which analysts say will further expand the “one-hour living circle” and improve the flow of economic activities.
The blueprint promises to make booking tickets, registering a business, clearing airport immigration and even obtaining social welfare payments easier.
Guangdong authorities pledged to work with central government departments to promote the electronic processing of cross-border affairs, including travel permits to go to mainland China, and the recognition of digital signatures.
The province will also roll out a one-stop online portal that integrates with the Hong Kong government’s iAM Smart app, which will allow people and businesses on both sides of the border to access a host of digital public services.
Areas to be covered by the three-year digital Greater Bay Area plan include travel, catering, telecoms, electronic payments, jobseeking, elderly care, medical services, education, insurance and welfare, including social security payments.
The blueprint also promises to afford holders of home return permits – the travel document Hongkongers use to cross the border – the same status that Guangdong residents enjoy in obtaining public services and business registrations.