(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-19 07:22

With a set of new measures being implemented starting next month, China is expected to provide more simplified procedures and better service to both domestic and overseas travelers exiting or arriving at its doorstep.

The Ministry of Public Security revealed its basket of new measures for all ports of entry and exit yesterday, underlining an important step to improve immigration service and facilitate smoother passenger flow.

Given that the country is now making preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, smoother entrance and clearance at port of entry shows the country's resolve to offer first-grade services to participants and tourists to the Games.

As most measures bear the clear mark of international practice, it also shows China is learning from world good experience.

Unified procedures and facilities at international airports are certainly good news to foreigners who want a hassle-free trip to China.

To citizens at home, who are making increasingly more overseas tours recent years, the applications will help them familiarize themselves with international practices and make their travel more convenient.

Ever since the country adopted its reform and opening up policy in the late 1970s, continuous efforts have been made to streamline customs procedures and deregulate rules on citizens wishing to make overseas trips.

Meanwhile, with the Chinese economy continuing to achieve high growth and the national strength becoming stronger, China has now become an attractive destination for both business and tourism.

Bringing its immigration service to international standards will contribute to maintaining a good image of the country in the international arena, and keep this momentum going as well.

Official statistics indicate about 16 million Chinese traveled overseas in the first five months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 14 percent. The figure is expected to reach an unprecedented 37.4 million this year. The majority of the overseas-bound Chinese travelers were on non-business trips.

(China Daily 09/19/2007 page10)