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AL 機密
Concluding remarks: implications for llong Kong
43.
It can be concluded that the SSEZ has not been
too successful when its performance is matched against a number of criteria which are derived from the central
government's underlying motives in setting up the SEZs.
Instead of developing into a subeconomy of national
importance or into anything comparable to Hong Kong, the
SSEZ is still more an outpost for China's external trade
than a manufacturing zone. Thus, the main implications for Hong Kong are confined to cross-border movements of
freight and passengers.
44.
Most of the freight traffic generated in the
SSEZ is handled by trucks. The recent opening of the new road link with the SSEZ via Sha Tau Kok has proved to be
more effective in serving as a relief for non-commercial
vehicles than for commercial vehicles, a situation that
will probably persist until the approach roads on the Chinese side improve. Notwithstanding some improvement induced by the Sha Tau Kok link, the traffic flow across Man Kam To has remained heavy. As for passenger traffic,
the check-points at Lo Wu have been under pressure for quite some time. Expansion of the immigration facilities
or streamlining of entry/exit procedures may help but this will have to be carefully considered within the Government as preservation of the separation between the SSEZ and
Hong Kong and of the integrity of border controls, is
necessary to maintain the uniqueness of Hong Kong.
45.
Finally, although the SSEZ has yet to meet any of the objectives set for it by the Chinese Government, it
has to be emphasised that it is too early to pass final
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