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A spokesman for the Immigration Department said today (February 21), "With effect from February 24, 2003 (Monday), applications for pre-arrival clearance (PAC) will be extended to all Mainland River/Coastal Trade Vessels (MRCTVs), irrespective of tonnage.

The PAC scheme was first launched on 23 May 2002 to cover MRCTVs of 700 tonnages or over. As the scheme received positive feedback from the shipping industry, the scheme was further extended to cover MRCTVs of 300 tonnages or over on 16 September 2002."

"In view of the positive response we, together with the relevant departments, have conducted a review on the situation after implementation and now decide to lift the existing tonnage requirement of the scheme. It is estimated that about 2000 MRCTVs will benefit from the scheme", the spokesman said.

"The relaxation of the PAC scheme to all MRCTVs is to tie in with the 'Policy Address 2001' by the Chief Executive to develop and promote Hong Kong's position as a preferred international and regional transportation and logistics hub. Under the PAC scheme, approved MRCTVs can proceed directly to the berth/terminal for cargo operations without waiting for immigration clearance at the anchorages, thus lower their operational cost. The scheme helps to promote the economic co-operation between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta"

MRCTV operators who are interested in the scheme may submit their applications to the Harbour Control Section of the Immigration Department situated at 2/F, Central Government Pier, 32 Man Fai Street, Central. Persons who wish to make enquiries may contact the department's Information Office at 2824 6111 or the Harbour Control Section at 2534 7119 (office hours) or 2543 1958 (outside office hours).

End/Friday, February 21, 2003

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