After the first phase of quarantine-free customs clearance between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the number of people visiting Hong Kong in a single day from January 8 to 15 has nearly doubled compared with previous days.

During the period, the Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail also resumed service, and the society expects Hong Kong to further move towards a full return to normalcy.

In this regard, Chief Executive Li Jiachao responded in an exclusive interview with Hong Kong Commercial Daily

01

Li Jiachao announced that there will be surprises in customs clearance

On January 17, Chief Executive Lee Ka-chao said in an exclusive interview that the opening of the first phase was safe, orderly and smooth, and met expectations.

As for the second phase of customs clearance, the chief executive hopes that it can be opened as soon as possible to give the public a little more surprise, and he is also confident about it

What is this surprise?

The chief executive has yet to elaborate, but hopes to resolve all issues in the first quarter.

Xiaoxing guesses: Within the first quarter, it is very likely that all restrictions will be lifted, and the customs clearance with the mainland will be truly complete? Let us wait and see!

02

Ultimate goal: fully return to normal in 2023

After customs clearance, citizens are looking forward to a full return to normal.

Chief Executive Li Jiachao believes that all epidemic prevention restrictions, including the mask order, are expected to be lifted this year.

While providing convenience to the citizens, it also makes Hong Kong more connected to the world.

But he also emphasized that decision-making should be pragmatic, risk-free, and not blind.

03

High-speed rail tickets increase again

The Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail, which has been out of service for nearly three years, officially resumed operations on the 15th.

Due to the short supply of tickets, Chief Executive Lee Ka-chao announced on his official social media:

From January 18, the number of daily two-way tickets will increase from 14,000 to 20,000.

At the same time, the Chief Executive also thanked the relevant departments in the Mainland and the railway operators for their efforts, so that more citizens and tourists can take the high-speed rail to travel between the two places to visit relatives, work and travel.

The end of the new year is here, I wish you all a smooth trip, and look forward to the good news that you will be able to fully clear the customs after the year