Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki delivers a speech at the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival 2024 in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po on Feb 10, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki extended on Saturday his New Year greetings to Hong Kong residents and said that the territory was on a new journey advancing from stability to prosperity.

Speaking at the blessing lantern lighting ceremony of the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival 2024 in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, Chan said he was eagerly looking forward to the SAR government, together with all sectors of society, "leading Hong Kong to soar and thrive in the new journey of advancement from stability to prosperity”.  

Accompanied by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise Louise Ho Pui-shan and Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung, Chan also visited the Shenzhen Bay Control Point to inspect its operations

He said he was hopeful for the collaboration of the government, the business sector and the community in safeguarding national security with resolute determination, drawing diverse talent with full confidence, supporting grassroots communities, and enhancing district governance.

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Accompanied by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise Louise Ho Pui-shan and Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung, Chan also visited the Shenzhen Bay Control Point to inspect its operations and meet frontline staff of the Customs and Excise Department, the Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force who were on duty.

Shenzhen Bay Port will operate round the clock until Feb 14, while Lo Wu Port will extend its service hours to 2 am on Feb 9 and Feb 11 to meet the expected huge crowds using both immigration checkpoints.

Chan said he was pleased to note that relevant government departments were closely coordinating with one another and with stakeholders in transport, tourism and other sectors to ensure the smooth travel of visitors during the holidays.  

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki (second right), Commissioner of Customs and Excise Louise Ho Pui-shan (first left), and Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung (first right) visit the Shenzhen Bay Control Point to inspect its operations on Feb 10, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

He instructed the departments to press ahead with the full implementation of the special boundary-crossing and transport arrangements, deploying  manpower appropriately to ensure sufficient clearance counters at various control points and liaising closely with their mainland counterparts.

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The Transport Department will also monitor the traffic situation in various districts, and maintain close communication with the MTR Corp and other public transport operators.

Chan appealed to travelers visiting Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year to plan their trips in advance to avoid departures via land boundary control points in the small hours or peak hours.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki (second left), Commissioner of Customs and Excise Louise Ho Pui-shan (first left), and Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung (third left) visit the Shenzhen Bay Control Point to inspect its operations on Feb 10, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

He encouraged them to stay overnight in Hong Kong to have a more diverse and enriching travel experience.