Cooperation Meeting on Entry and Exit Management Held in Chongqing

On October 28, Chongqing hosted a significant conference focused on the "1+2" coordination mechanism for entry and exit management, which facilitates collaboration between the mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. High-ranking officials from the Chinese National Immigration Administration, along with representatives from the entry and exit management departments of Hong Kong and Macao, attended and contributed to the discussions.

Participants at the conference recognized the "1+2" mechanism as a pivotal platform for communication and cooperation among the immigration management authorities of the mainland and the special administrative regions. There was consensus on the necessity to enrich this mechanism further, enhancing the quality and depth of exchanges and cooperation. Emphasis was placed on deepening contact, institutionalizing regular meetings, and ensuring uninterrupted lines of communication, all aimed at fostering mutual development and shared progress.

The conference underscored the importance of focusing on key areas such as the issuance of entry and exit documents, border customs procedures, and the adoption of advanced technologies. Through enhanced collaboration, the aim is to facilitate mutual learning and experience sharing, leading to swift and effective implementation of cooperation outcomes.

Highlighting the insights from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party, the meeting emphasized the historical context of national development during the "14th Five-Year Plan". The session proposed a framework of "six persistences" to galvanize economic and social development, with particular attention to nurturing long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong and Macau. Officials from both the mainland and the special administrative regions were urged to thoroughly internalize and implement these guiding principles.

Moreover, the entry and exit management authorities were called upon to enhance institutional openness in their services. They must also develop targeted support measures to strengthen the cooperation platform established between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. The innovative practices arising from the "One Country, Two Systems" framework aim to allow Hong Kong and Macau to seamlessly integrate within the broader national development strategy.

An essential facet of the discussions revolved around improving the mechanisms that support Hong Kong and Macau in evolving into an international hub for high-end talent. This includes research into expanding the scope of talent visa policies for these regions, which would bolster economic growth and social advancement within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to innovate and optimize entry and exit policies between the mainland and the special administrative regions, addressing pressing concerns of the populace. A commitment was made to achieve greater convenience in documentation processes, streamline customs clearance, and enhance residential experiences for individuals traveling among the regions.

Attention was drawn to the upcoming 15th National Games, scheduled to take place in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The event is not only an innovative test of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle within the arena of sports but also serves as a crucial platform for fostering integrated development among the three regions.

Establishing a secure and orderly environment for entries and exits during the National Games was recognized as a collective responsibility among the entry and exit management departments across the mainland and the two special administrative regions. Sharing experiences from prior major events will enhance the quality of entry and exit services, particularly for athletes, event staff, and spectators.

The "1+2" cooperation mechanism, established in 2019, has been a foundational element in enhancing collaboration between the mainland and the entry-exit management authorities of Hong Kong and Macao. Led by the China Entry and Exit Administration, this framework encourages aligned efforts for a comprehensive and multifaceted cooperation strategy.