China's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has done much to reinforce Hong Kong's role as the Mainland's window on the world and gateway for international traders and business people who will now seek greater access to the China market. The HKCEC has been at the forefront in showcasing that role, as reflected through a tremendous growth in two-way trade conducted through the Centre. Over the past five years, the number of Mainland exhibitors has doubled and the number of buyers has increased by 150% - to about 50,000.

Such growth is expected to continue as Hong Kong utilises its unique links with the Mainland to help bridge ties with the international community. As the largest source of outside investment in the Mainland, and leading supplier of professional manpower, Hong Kong can offer first-hand advice and expertise to both parties. The need for those manpower skills was made clear when Mainland companies held their first China Career Expo at the HKCEC earlier this year.

A number of measures have been taken in both the Mainland and Hong Kong to ease immigration procedures and improve travel arrangements. Overseas Chinese nationals with PRC passports can now obtain a two-year multiple-entry permit to visit Hong Kong for stays of up to 14 days, provided they have lived in the country of issue for at least one year. Previously they needed three years' residency. Non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong are now eligible for three-year multiple-entry visas to the Mainland for visits of up to 30 days. Meanwhile, there are reports that certain senior-level foreigners working in China may be able to gain permanent residency from 2003 as part of measures to ease entry-exit regulations in line with WTO membership.

Two busy crossings at the boundary between Hong Kong and Shenzhen have had their opening hours extended to allow passage from 6.30am to midnight daily. The Lo Wu checkpoint previously closed at 11.30pm while the Lok Ma Chau crossing previously operated between 7am and 10pm. The new arrangement means between 3,000 to 5,000 extra travellers can pass through Lo Wu and an extra 1,200 through Lok Ma Chau. Previously, about 280,000 people made the crossings each day. Cargo passage through Lok Ma Chau has also been boosted with container trucks now able to use four lanes instead of just one when crossing from Shenzhen. Trucks travelling in the opposite direction now have two lanes to use.

In announcing the agreement between the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang said: "The extension at the borders will enable the rapid flow of passengers and goods, which is an essential condition for developing Hong Kong as a logistics centre for China." He said the possibility of keeping the boundary open 24 hours a day might be considered if warranted.