A mutual visa-free access agreement between Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation was signed by Mr Simon Peh Yun-lu, Hong Kong Director of Immigration, and Russian Ambassador to China Sergey Razov on April 23, 2009.
The agreement provides visa-free access for a period up to 14 days to HKSAR passport holders visiting Russia. Nationals of Russia will likewise enjoy 14 days' visa-free access to Hong Kong. The implementation of this agreement will help boost the tourism and culture exchange between Hong Kong and Russia.
"Russia is the largest country in the world and has abundant gas and oil resources. It has a fast-growing economy as well as splendid culture heritage and a developed science system. Hong Kong, as a finance center and a global trading and logistics hub, is a proper place for enterprises to establish regional headquarters and is a gate to mainland China. Hong Kong is sure to receive more Russian tourists in the future," said Mr Peh at the signing ceremony.
In 2008, Consulate General of Russia in Hong Kong issued over 4,000 visas to HASAR permanent residents, and the number of Russian tourists to Hong Kong exceeded 37,000 in the same period, a big increase compared with the previous year. Last year, the two economies witnessed 1.7 billion USD bilateral trade turnover.
Russian Ambassador Sergey Razov also noted the growing trade volume and culture exchange between Russia and Hong Kong. He added that many Russian enterprises are willing to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx) as Hong Kong's important role in the financial field.
Russia is the 138th country to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR Passport holders. This agreement marks another historic step to guarantee the travel convenience of Hong Kong residents.
By People's Daily Online
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