The government will give this question serious consideration, said Vice-Premier Li Lanqing in Beijing on Thursday afternoon during a meeting with a delegation comprising representatives of various chambers of commerce with offices in Hong Kong.

The representatives, including those of the French, the US and 14 other foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong, have suggested that the current six-month time period for visa extensions is too short.

Noting that the time period for foreign visas is years longer, they said it would be much better for the Chinese Government to extend the period to three to five years.

They also asked if foreign people who have permanent resident status in Hong Kong could enter the mainland without visas, requiring only a simple document the same as permanent Hong Kong residents.

"I've been living in Hong Kong for 23 years and have obtained permanent resident status, but I still don't enjoy the rights that a Hong Kong resident has," said a French representative.

Vice-Premier Li and Deputy Director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Chen Zuo'er, who was also at the meeting, said the government would work on this question.

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Director Eden Woon said they could feel that the central government was serious about taking concrete steps to address the problem soon.

Also during the meeting, Vice-Premier Li said overseas investors are welcome to take part in China's environmental protection industry, such as waste water treatment.

China is already cooperating with some foreign companies, such as French ones, to give them a share of the waste water treatment market in major cities.

The treatment of air pollution, afforestation and other areas of environmental protection will also welcome foreign investments, said Li.

The Hong Kong delegation yesterday separately met Lou Jiwei, vice-minister of finance, Zeng Peiyan, director of the State Development Planning Commission and Shi Guangsheng, head of the State Ministry for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation.

The role of Hong Kong and foreign companies in introducing retail business and legal, accounting and other consulting services to the less-developed regions of western China was stressed during these meetings.

Chinese officials pointed out the country now needs "software" more than "hardware" as it is building a lot of infrastructure, but lacks efficient management.

China Daily 06/16/2001