THE border checkpoints of Macao and the neighboring mainland city of Zhuhai opened at the same time Wednesday (Mar 1).

The Gongbei Checkpoint on Zhuhai side used to open at 7:30 a.m., half an hour later than the opening time of the checkpoint in the Macao Special Administrative Region.

The delay, producing crowds at the gate of the Gongbei Checkpoint, has caused inconvenience for border crossers.

At the third session of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC) in March 2005, four Macao-based NPC delegates brought up a proposal on simultaneous opening of the two checkpoints.

On Feb. 9 this year, the General Administration of Customs formally reported to the NPC that the simultaneous opening of the checkpoints would start March 1.

The measure was widely hailed as an indication that the Central Government attaches great importance to Macao people's willingness.

Editor: Wing