XN000022-1995-11-29 — Page 34

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Of course, we are aware of the potential diversion of air traffic to Macau following the opening of its new airport, as a result of capacity constraints of the airport at Kai Tak. This problem would of course be eased considerably when the new Chek Lap Kok airport comes into operation in about 2 years time. The permit requirement per se should not constitute a major reason for diversion of China-bound Taiwanese transittees: China-bound Taiwanese residents do not need permits for airside transit through Kai Tak, so it should be just as convenient for them to transit through Hong Kong as it is through Macau. Besides, since there are many more connecting flights to China from Hong Kong than from Macau, it will give transittees more choices. As for Taiwanese travellers who, in addition to visiting China, also wish to visit Hong Kong, I remain optimistic that they would not miss the opportunity of doing so even though their first point of landing is Macau. As Honourable Members know, Macau is just a short hop by sea and takes only an hour, shorter than it takes to travel, for example, from Narita airport to Tokyo City. We are exploring means to make this short trip even more convenient. We will also closely monitor the new trend of Taiwanese travellers coming to Hong Kong.

As regards the Macau Government's policy of granting Taiwanese travellers visa-free visits of up to 20 days, we understand that this arrangement has been in place for many years. It has not affected the number of Taiwanese visitors to Hong Kong. The situation in Macau is of course different from that of Hong Kong, and I do not foresee that a similar arrangement will be replicated here for the immediate future. However, I can assure Honourable Members that we will continue to look for ways to simplify further the existing entry point procedures. The object is to make life casier for genuine visitors and businessmen from Taiwan, and thus facilitate tourism and business.

End/Wednesday, November 29, 1995