TNAG-1621-FCO40-2235-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1987 — Page 77

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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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