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At
visitors went to China through Hong Kong in 1985.
present, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) provides only limited direct air links between the major cities in China and foreign countries, and the services provided are generally infrequent, except for those between Japan and northern China. On the other hand,
frequent direct air links are provided by CAAC and Cathay Pacific Airways (and more recently, by Dragon Air) between Hong Kong and a number of large cities in China (Table
13). In addition, regular passenger services by rail and
ferry connect Hong Kong with Guangzhou as well as to other
places in southern China by ferry. Hong Kong thus serves
as a convenient stepping stone for businessmen and
tourists entering and leaving China, given the extensive
air links between Hong Kong and the rest of the world.
This role is expected to continue. In the process, Hong Kong also derives substantial tourist income from these foreign visitors.
32.
Several recent developments seem likely to have
a bearing on the way China will use Hong Kong's transport facilities in the longer term. First, the development of
some Chinese ports near Hong Kong, including Huangpu in
Guangzhou, and Shekou and Chiwan in the Shenzhen Special
Economic Zone, might suggest that China's dependence on Hong Kong for port facilities will be reduced in the
future. However, in view of the limitations at such ports
in terms of water depth and back-up infrastructure, their
role is likely to be largely complementary to Hong Kong's entrepôt status, through the establishment of more feeder
services linking up with the major shipping lines serving
Hong Kong. In terms of containerisation, Chinese cargo is an important element in the planned expansion of the Kwai
Chung container port.
G.F. 326
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