Coutinho calls for easing border restrictions with Guangdong

Citing complaints from citizens about limited quotas and long wait times, lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho is urging officials to take steps to facilitate border crossings between the special administrative region and mainland China’s Guangdong province.

In a query to the government, Coutinho requested introducing faster and more flexible measures at crossings in light of complaints about “insufficient daily quotas of cars authorized to circulate in Guangdong province,” according to a statement. This forces citizens to pay for parking near borders, he said.

“It will be necessary to introduce more flexible and expeditious measures regarding the cross-border flow of vehicles, optimizing and modernizing document control equipment to facilitate border crossing for residents and tourists,” Coutinho stated. He added that exceptions should be made to allow those aged over 65, those aged under 18, couples, and families to travel together.

Coutinho also asked if monthly vehicle quotas to mainland China and rules restricting travel based on license plates could be lifted. He suggested Macau officials ask China for improvements to be implemented to facilitate cross-border traffic and faster document checks through upgraded technology.

The lawmaker’s request comes as concerns grow about the efficiency and convenience of travel between Macau and Guangdong, whose close economic and social links are vital to the region. Coutinho argued streamlined border procedures would benefit both residents and visiting tourists. VC