Ming Pao Coverage of Chamber of Commerce Policy Address Submissions
[Ming Pao Column] In recent years, the Hong Kong government has emphasized boosting the economy and attracting talent. The author notes that multiple foreign chambers of commerce have devoted considerable space in their policy address submissions this year to talent and visa measures aimed at enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness. Among these, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong recommends that the government seek approval from the central authorities for U.S. travellers to enter Greater Bay Area cities visa-free for 144 hours (equivalent to 6 days) via Hong Kong. It also proposes expanding Mainland Travel Permits (commonly known as Home Visit Permits) to non-permanent Hong Kong residents to attract foreign investment and U.S. business travellers. The American Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce, and Australian Chamber of Commerce all jointly recommend that the Hong Kong government introduce the increasingly common digital nomad visa arrangements seen in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
In recent years, the Chinese government has repeatedly implemented “unilateral opening measures,” allowing visa-free entry to mainland China for citizens of 54 countries in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. However, the United States, with which China has tense relations, remains excluded. As of last year, nearly 1,400 U.S. companies operated in Hong Kong. The American Chamber of Commerce stated in its policy address submission that many U.S. firms maintain offices or branches in both Hong Kong and mainland China, requiring senior executives to regularly travel to the mainland for meetings or factory inspections. The Chamber noted that American citizens do not benefit from the visa-free policy and must apply for visas. Although a 10-year multiple-entry visa is available, the application process can sometimes take three to six months, often disrupting time-sensitive business activities.
To encourage greater personnel and business exchanges, the mainland last year approved 144-hour visa-free entry to Guangdong Province for foreign nationals from Hong Kong and Macau traveling in groups. The American Chamber of Commerce recommends building on this by extending visa-free land entry for 144 hours to U.S. visitors to Hong Kong, limited to the Greater Bay Area. The Chamber also recommends extending the mainland's current visa-free transit policy for certain countries to include Hong Kong's ports of entry and exit.
This proposal from the American Chamber of Commerce has been brewing among foreign businesses. Last year, when the mainland relaxed requirements for non-Chinese permanent residents to obtain five-year mainland travel permits, there were already calls to extend this to non-permanent residents and even foreign tourists. This would help attract foreign investment by enabling them to use Hong Kong as a base, returning to the city for leisure and cultural activities after meetings or business inspections on the mainland.
3 Foreign Chambers Advocate for Hong Kong's 2036 Olympic Bid
The British Chamber of Commerce, Australian Chamber of Commerce, and American Chamber of Commerce have all recommended that the Hong Kong government review its foreign talent visa processes and introduce a digital nomad visa. A digital nomad visa generally refers to a visa that does not require a conventional work visa, allowing individuals to legally reside and work in the local area for a specified period. In a written response to legislator Ng Kit-chong last October, the Hong Kong government stated that only a few regions have implemented digital nomad visas, making it difficult to assess their benefits. It currently has no plans to introduce such a visa. The Australian Chamber of Commerce noted in its submission that digital talent is often hired on short-term contracts or remotely, requiring immediate commencement of work upon employment. It recommended the government expedite approvals for 6- to 12-month short-term visas for consultants or freelance workers. The Chamber also highlighted that many members from regulatory bodies or non-governmental organizations face significant difficulties when authorities request information during visa applications, leading some job types to shift to Singapore. It suggested establishing a targeted assessment mechanism.
Another proposal endorsed by the three major chambers is exploring Hong Kong's bid for the 2036 Olympics. They collectively believe this could drive major events, promote Greater Bay Area integration, and enhance the region's international profile.
Unlike previous statements, foreign chambers notably avoided specific references to the National Security Law this time. However, they remain focused on emphasizing the “one country, two systems” principle and promoting Hong Kong internationally. The American Chamber of Commerce noted that members frequently face questions from headquarters and overseas clients. It urged the Hong Kong government to seriously consider the international chambers' call to maintain the unique characteristics of the “one country, two systems” framework while balancing national security and information flow. Particularly amid growing external scrutiny, it stressed the need to ensure information remains uncensored and reliable.
Additionally, in its Policy Address Submission this year, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce reiterated its 2018 recommendation for the government to conduct Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs). Such assessments examine the impact of government regulations on business operations, exploring ways to enhance efficiency and improve the business environment. The Chamber stated that in light of Hong Kong's economic transformation, it once again urges the government to introduce assessments for all policies, including reviewing existing and new legislation to evaluate potential impacts.
Chamber Urges Abandonment of Outdated Communication Methods: Fax Machines to Be Phased Out
To advance digitalization, the Chamber further recommends phasing out outdated communication methods, such as gradually retiring fax machines and removing fax numbers from all government employee cards. The Chamber proposes integrating multiple digital payment options across all public services, including school fees, social security payments, and recreational venue rentals.
Addressing challenges in the food and retail sectors, the Chamber also urges the government, as a major landlord, to offer rent discounts or subsidies to food and beverage companies operating in government-owned and Link REIT properties. This would enable them to enhance service quality and retain customers migrating northward. The Chamber of Commerce, along with several foreign chambers of commerce, recommends relaxing restrictions on outdoor dining licenses. For instance, the Chamber notes that while large stalls are a Hong Kong specialty, it is increasingly difficult for them to operate outdoors and they must move indoors. It calls on the government to grant greater flexibility for outdoor dining. [Li Xianzhi]