Recently, terms like cross-border consumption between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and the 144-hour visa-free transit have been buzzing with activity. The influx of consumers has revitalized the market economy, also presenting multiple challenges to port customs clearance procedures.
To address these challenges, the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government has officially released the Special Action Plan for Improving Efficiency of Shenzhen Ports, outlining 15 specific measures across five key areas. These measures aim to comprehensively improve customs clearance efficiency, user experience, port facilities, security, and order.
Hosted by the official web portal of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Shenzhen Government Online, the "Government-Public Online Interview" invited Wu Bing, second-level inspector of the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, to engage with online citizens revolving around the theme of "Improving efficiency of Shenzhen ports."
Cross-border visits between SZ and HK unabated
This year, Shenzhen land ports have continuously set new records in passenger volume, with a daily average of over 500,000, representing an 84.45% year-on-year increase. This wave increases the need of extended clearance services for passengers. The relevant authorities in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong promptly adjust clearance times based on passenger demands in response to fluctuations in passenger traffic.
For instance, during the 2024 Chinese New Year period from the first to the fourth day of the new year, 24-hour clearance services were introduced for the first time at the Shenzhen Bay Port. At the Luohu Port, clearance services on Feb. 9 and 11 were extended until 2 a.m. the next day.
Taxi and ride-hailing pick-up points have been established around ports, enhancing passenger convenience. Additionally, collaborative efforts are undertaken to regulate traffic around ports, improve passenger evacuation efficiency, and crack down on activities including overcharging and illegal solicitation. Efforts are also being made to upgrade inspection infrastructure and equipment at ports, addressing safety concerns at land ports in the city.
SZ, HK continuously optimizes customs clearance environment
Shenzhen ports have faced increasingly high levels of clearance volume since the full resumption of customs clearance last year.
Special action plans have been issued, focusing on enhancing the customs clearance environment to make the process more convenient.
Shenzhen and Hong Kong have gradually improved the liaison mechanism, accumulating experience in dealing with peak clearance periods during major public holidays. This year, the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government has increased channels of SZ and HK liaison mechanism before certain holidays. Through SZ and HK liaison meetings, relevant authorities can predict the clearance traffic at their respective ports and establish a SZ and HK customs clearance support group at each land port. In case of clearance peaks, timely notifications are exchanged to implement segmented passenger release, which effectively avoids congestion.
A scene of the "Government-Public Online Interview."
The Special Action Plan for Improving Efficiency of Shenzhen Ports
The special action plan aimed at enhancing the efficiency of Shenzhen ports comprises 15 key measures. Among these measures are targeted initiatives focusing on the four key areas of "cleanness, smoothness, quietness, and beauty," as well as efforts to improve coordination for efficient customs clearance between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. One notable initiative is the introduction of the "iPort" mini-program.
The overarching goal of this special action plan is to facilitate the orderly development of infrastructure projects while establishing a robust system for joint prevention and control, comprehensive management, and emergency response to enhance port security. Furthermore, the plan seeks to foster a business environment that is more equitable, transparent, and predictable.
Launch of 'iPort' mini-program
The "iPort" mini-program is a public information platform provided by the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government for passengers and import-export enterprises engaging in cross-border travel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It offers a one-stop service for port clearance, administrative tasks, policy updates, and on-site service appointments.
Launched on Feb. 7 this year, the "iPort" mini-program has already introduced 70 service columns, providing passengers with functions such as port profiles, clearance procedures, parking reservations, special passenger clearances, along with features like live text and image streaming of clearance processes, currency exchange services at ports, and others. In the next phase, the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government will continue to closely align with the needs of port service users and develop specialized areas such as the Cross-border Student Service Zone, among others.
Improving cleanness, smoothness, quietness, and beauty at ports
This special action aims to enhance port toilet hygiene and clearance safety, strengthen port waste classification management, optimize guidance signs for port entry and exit, and update electronic display screens for passenger and vehicle inspection areas at port entrances.
Luohu Port and Wenjindu Port, operational for over 40 years, face the issue of aging facilities and equipment compounded by substantial passenger traffic, making the task of upholding cleanliness and orderliness notably challenging. Through continuous endeavors, substantial transformations have occurred in the port restroom facilities. In the first quarter of 2024, as per the city's release of the environmental index for public toilets, port restrooms secured the top spot in the industry segment, garnering an A+ rating akin to those of airports and subway facilities.
Distinctive cultural activities hosted at ports
During this year's Spring Festival, the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government organized cultural flash mob events at the land ports, featuring celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Chinese New Year. These events garnered enthusiastic responses from residents of both Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Furthermore, activities such as the showcasing of "Traditional Cantonese Opera" was held at Liantang Port. The Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government is committed to continuing its efforts to explore more forms of cultural activities that foster interaction and exchange between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
144-hour visa-free transit implemented at these two checkpoints
In April, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link West Kowloon Station Checkpoint and Liantang Port were added as entry/exit ports under the 144-hour transit visa exemption policy in Guangdong Province. This move has made Shenzhen a more popular destination for an increasing number of foreigners entering the Chinese mainland.
Following the "Two Inspections at One Place" mode, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link West Kowloon Station Checkpoint is divided into the Hong Kong checkpoint area and the mainland checkpoint area with each side conducting separate exit and entry inspections according to respective laws.
The West Kowloon Station now links up with 78 high-speed rail stations, marking a significant increase in daily train frequencies to 100 pairs and 200 trips. Notably, on June 15 of this year, the West Kowloon Station introduced new sleeper train services to and from Beijing and Shanghai, offering same-day arrivals between these major cities and Hong Kong.
Originally designed to accommodate 30,000 passengers daily, Liantang Port has garnered immense popularity among residents of Shenzhen and Hong Kong since its launch Feb. 6, 2023. By May 15 of this year, the daily passenger volume at Liantang Port surpassed 100,000 for the first time, exceeding its design capacity by 3.3 times.
Shenzhen's cross-border infrastructure development
Since its development, Shenzhen Port has grown to encompass 16 first-class ports in the country, establishing a solid framework that includes sea, land, air, and rail connections. They are also facing new requirements for high-quality development driven by the advancement of the strategy of building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
The Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government has delineated a specific roadmap for the future evolution of ports: prioritize fortifying the west, refining the central functions, and augmenting the eastern capacities. This strategic approach aims to transition ports from mere conduits to pivotal hubs, fostering a seamless amalgamation of core port functions with key platforms like the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.
At present, the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government is expediting the reconstruction of Huanggang Port with the goal of establishing a multifaceted, integrated super port. This initiative aims to position the port as a crucial transportation nexus within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Concurrently, efforts are underway to revamp other ports such as Luohu Port, Shatoujiao Port, and more, enhancing their functionalities and overall efficacy.
A scene of the "Government-Public Online Interview."
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Source: Government Services and Data Management Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality
The Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government
Shenzhen Government Online
Shenzhen News Network
Translated by Shenzhen Daily