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"There will be no relaxation of any kind in this respect and there will continue to be immigration control for entry into the SAR from the Mainland after 1997," he stressed.
"Moreover, we have conveyed to the Chinese side our concern about the persistent high overstaying rate of two-way permit holders, which stood at 9.2 per cent in 1996, and the 70 per cent increase in two-way permit holders turning to prostitution and other illicit activities," he continued.
On cross-border transport, Mr Ng said that both sides saw the urgency of commencing the new Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Cross Border Shuttle Bus Service, which should help relieve pressure on Lo Wu.
Turning to the Shenzhen River Regulation Project, Mr Ng noted that Stage I was making extremely good progress and would be fully completed on schedule in May 1997. Preparatory works for Stage II would start around late April, before the onset of the rainy season.
"The two sides also warmly welcomed the agreement reached in Shenzhen on January 17 on the Boundary of Administration between Hong Kong and Guangdong, which should facilitate effective management of the border by all agencies involved on each side," he added.
The Hong Kong delegation will return to the territory tomorrow.
End
Industry Department delegation visits Fuzhou and Xiamen
The Director-General of Industry, Mr Francis Ho, left today (Monday) for a five-day visit to Fuzhou and Xiamen in Fujian Province. He is joined by officers of the Industry Department.
The delegation will meet provincial and municipal officials from the Planning Commission, the Economic and Trade Commission, Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Commission, and the Science and Technology Commission. It will be briefed on the latest economic and industrial development in Fujian and the two cities.