More than 2.64 million entry and exit trips by Macao single-plate vehicles via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge had been recorded as of Tuesday, thanks to the two-year-old the "northbound travel for Macao vehicles" scheme, according to the latest data released by the Gongbei Customs in south China's Guangdong Province.
Implemented on January 1, 2023, the scheme has fueled a rapid growth in Macao vehicle traffic across the border. The data released by the Gongbei customs on Tuesday morning revealed that in 2024, the average monthly crossings jumped to 127,000, a remarkable increase of over 35.1 percent compared to the previous year. October 2024 saw a record high of 135,000 crossings.
Over 118,000 vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao have now registered with customs under the scheme. This influx of Hong Kong and Macao single-plate vehicles has contributed to a steady rise in both passenger and vehicle traffic through the Zhuhai Highway Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
Throughout 2024, customs processed 5.54 million vehicle crossings, a 70.8 percent year-on-year increase. Weekends and holidays see a surge in traffic, with a peak single-day record of 22,800 crossings. Macao and Hong Kong single-plate vehicles account for nearly 70 percent of this traffic, making them the dominant vehicle type at the port.
To enhance efficiency at the port and improve the passenger experience, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge customs are actively collaborating with local governments on upgrading projects aimed at increasing vehicle processing efficiency, particularly during peak return periods.
According to a customs officer, the number of outbound lanes equipped to process passenger vehicles has increased from 22 to 35, boosting the port's peak-hour processing capacity to 1,500 vehicles per hour from approximately 400 vehicles per hour when the scheme was launched on January 1, 2023.
"The customs continue to enhance technological capabilities, employing non-intrusive inspection methods and intelligent image analysis tools to ensure effective management and swift processing for vehicles that require verification," said Wang Peiyang, deputy head of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge customs.
Since the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in 2018, the implementation of various policies has led to improved traffic flow and thriving passenger volume, highlighting the strengthened connectivity within the Greater Bay Area.
The 55-km bridge links China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macao SAR, and the city of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province. It is the world's longest bridge-and-tunnel sea crossing.
"Northbound travel for Macao vehicles" scheme sees over 2.64 million crossings
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has described the swift changes in Syria as a surprise to all parties, including former President Bashar al-Assad, while cautioning external powers against interfering in the country's internal affairs.
The remarks follow a dramatic turn of events on Dec. 8 last year when Syrian rebel forces captured the capital, Damascus, forcing Assad to flee to Russia.
In the wake of these events, Araghchi visited China from Dec. 27 to 28, where he held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), which aired on Friday, Araghchi shared his insights on the recent upheaval and outlined Iran's perspective on Syria's future.
"We had known for a few months that the Syrian opposition was organizing forces and planning new military actions. We shared this intelligence with the Syrian government, and, as far as we know, Russia also provided similar information. In any case, we were aware of the potential developments in Syria. However, the situation unfolded so rapidly, and the Syrian army offered no resistance -- something that no one, not even Bashar al-Assad himself, had anticipated," Araghchi said.
He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in helping Syria maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while stressing that Syria's future must be decided by its own people.
"Countries in the region must unite and help Syria establish a broad, inclusive government that represents all ethnic groups and factions. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria must be preserved. Syria should not become a gathering place or safe haven for terrorists, nor should it pose a threat to its neighbors and other countries in the region. This principle is shared by all countries in the region regarding the current situation in Syria. External powers should not interfere in Syria's internal affairs. The future of Syria must be decided by its own people, as they are the true masters of the country and its destiny. Our role is to assist them once they make the right decisions. We hope to see a peaceful, stable Syria, one that is friendly to its neighbors," Araghchi said.
Further elaborating on Iran's position, Araghchi stated that Iran is waiting for Syria to stabilize and announce its new foreign policies.
"We are waiting for the Syrian transitional government to announce its policies toward other countries in the region and beyond, and for the government to stabilize itself. What we are looking at is not superficial changes or slogans, but tangible actions. Our engagement with the Syrian transitional government will depend on its actions. Iran is acting with complete goodwill, and we hope for Syria's stability. We'd like to help Syria achieve stability and ensure the safety of all its communities, including Shiites, Sunnis, Arabs, and Kurds," said the Foreign Minister.
Swift changes in Syria took everyone by surprise: Iranian FM
