Opinion | Hong Kong must prioritise economic recovery following border reopening

After nearly three years, the border between mainland China and Hong Kong has been reopened, following an announcement by the Hong Kong government. As of January 8, a daily quota of 50,000 Hongkongers are able to head to the mainland quarantine-free via one of the three designated checkpoints, through which a daily quota of 60,000 mainlanders can also enter Hong Kong.

Residents from both sides of the border have to apply in advance through an online system to obtain a slot, although those returning home or studying either in Hong Kong or mainland China are not subject to the quota. Travellers must also present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before departure.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on the second day of the border reopening that Hong Kong would strive for the resumption of normal border crossings, something I believe we all hope is achieved sooner rather than later, with the Lunar New Year just around the corner.

Upon reflection, there were always compelling reasons for resuming Hong Kong-mainland border crossings – albeit in a gradual and orderly manner – from study and work opportunities to travel and family reunions.

Mainland China had already begun loosening its numerous Covid-19 restrictions across the country in December. Mainland travellers can now travel freely to other parts of the world, a dramatic step taken by Beijing after years of self-imposed isolation to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Hong Kong has quickly followed suit, abandoning testing and virus tracing app requirements for inbound travellers.

With mainland China and Hong Kong reconnecting with the world, Hong Kong’s economy looks likely to rebound this year, reversing the sluggish trend recorded over the past few years, as the city gears up to re-establish itself as a global financial hub – a role that the central government endorsed in its 14th five-year plan.