Embracing the dawn

After three years' waiting, dawn is finally arriving with the Hong Kong government's announcement that normal cross-border travel will be gradually resumed from January 8. During the protracted public health crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong saw a sharp drop in passenger trips, a hard hit to the tourism industry, and a dramatic rise in the unemployment rate in retail, accommodation, and the food sectors. As everything begins to return to normal, hopefully the city can usher in a new start with a revived economy, re-established connection with the mainland, and a greater role as the superconnector linking the mainland and the world.