China attracts Hong Kong with economic incentives, from pandas to visa benefits

On the 27th anniversary of the handover from Britain, the Chinese government announced a series of economic measures for Hong Kong. These measures aim to boost the city’s economy and demonstrate Beijing’s support for its development. Despite political tensions with the West, China continues to roll out policies to showcase its commitment to Hong Kong’s growth.

One of the initiatives announced includes the gift of a pair of giant pandas to the city. Additionally, non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong will now have visa-free access to the mainland, further promoting travel and economic ties between the two regions. Furthermore, mainland visitors to Hong Kong will benefit from an expansion of duty-free spending allowances, aimed at boosting tourism and retail sectors in the city.

These economic measures come at a time when political freedoms in Hong Kong face increasing challenges from Beijing. Despite these tensions, the Chinese government is keen on showcasing its support for Hong Kong’s economic growth through various initiatives and policies. Hong Kong’s top leader has urged residents to be thankful for these economic measures and the support from Beijing towards the city’s development.