Macau-registered vehicles in Hengqin under discussion

There is still no schedule for when Macau-registered vehicles will be allowed to enter Hengqin.
According to a press statement issued yesterday by the Government Information Bureau (GCS), an announcement will be made “at an appropriate time [about] any news on whether or when Macau-
registered vehicles would be allowed to enter neighboring Hengqin Island, part of the mainland’s Zhuhai Prefecture in Guangdong Province.”
The statement adds that the MSAR has recently submitted proposals to  Guangdong authorities on managing issues relating to the entry of Macau-
registered vehicles. The region’s authorities are waiting for a response regarding the proposals.
The government is also studying possible adjustments to the transport network to accommodate possible increases in traffic, including the area around the Lotus Bridge checkpoints linking Macau to Hengqin.
The Macau and Guangdong authorities have been discussing the matter based on the principles of the Framework Agreement on Cooperation between Guangdong and Macau.
Last month, the director-
general of the Hengqin New Area Administrative Committee, Niu Jing, confirmed that cars from Macau could soon access the island, as Hengqin prepares to trial a one-stop customs clearance policy.
“We hope to announce as early as possible the measures for vehicles with a single-license permit to enter and exit Hengqin and the date for the implementation of these measures,” said the director-general.
According to Niu, the successful implementation of the measure will mean that Hengqin Island will be able to cooperate with Macau Customs, holding only one inspection before transit clearance. Staff reporter

pataca in hengqin

Mainland authorities are currently working to draw up a scheme that would allow the Macau currency to be used in Hengqin. The plan needs approval from the Chinese central bank.