According to statistics from the Hengqin Immigration Inspection Station of Zhuhai Immigration Inspection Station, by 9:00 P.M. on June 22nd, the port has achieved an unprecedented 10 million inbound and outbound passenger counts, reflecting a robust year-on-year increase of 44.4%. This milestone was reached two months earlier than last year, and the port has set new daily records for passenger traffic three times within the year.
Ms. Tan, a Macao-plated vehicle owner who frequently visits Hengqin for shopping, commented on Hengqin's development and the ease of customs clearance, "The convenience of the new lanes and vehicle halls has made crossing the border a breeze, taking only a minute by car, and is just as convenient for travelers with family and friends, making it as easy as returning home". This year marks the third year since the establishment of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. With the gradual implementation of various policies that benefit the public and enterprises, the zone has seen a quick aggregation of innovative elements, accelerated development of "four new" industries (sci-tech research and high-end manufacturing; traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); cultural tourism, convention and exhibition, and modern finance), and the preliminary establishment of an integrated development pattern between Hengqin and Macao, achieving phased results in development and construction.
Latest figures reveal a significant influx of Macao residents within the cooperation zone, with the population now approaching 16,000, among whom, over 6,000 are employed there. Additionally, the zone also boasts 6,208 Macao-funded enterprises. Deputy Station Master Zeng Xiang reported that among the 10 million travelers processed this year, approximately 4.1 million were mainland residents traveling to Macao for work or study, and about 2.47 million were Hong Kong and Macao residents. These figures represent a substantial year-on-year growth of 50% and 20.3%, respectively, and are the primary drivers of the port's traffic increase.
The introduction of the one-stop joint services lane for passenger and freight vehicles, along with the accompanying personnel inspection hall, has significantly enhanced the port's facilities. This has encouraged an increase in both travelers and vehicles opting to cross through Hengqin. Since the beginning of the year, over 1.02 million vehicles have passed through Hengqin Port, a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Since April 9th, when the accompanying vehicle hall was opened, 215,000 travelers have used the facility, with 156,000 Hong Kong and Macao residents, accounting for 72.5% of this traffic.
As the summer travel season approaches, the Hengqin Frontier Inspection Station forecasts a notable rise in mainland tourists, with daily traffic expected to exceed 60,000 during the peak period. The annual passenger count is projected to surpass 20 million for the first time.
Source | Yangcheng Evening News
