Beijing raises duty-free allowance for HK, Macau trips
Beijing on Friday announced that the duty-free shopping allowance for mainland tourists returning from Hong Kong and Macau will be increased from 5,000 to 12,000 yuan per person. People who buy goods at duty-free stores at border crossings will continue to get an extra allowance of 3,000 yuan. The change will take effect on July 1 at Lo Wu, Futian, Shenzhen Bay, West Kowloon Station, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and Gongbei.  The policy will be implemented at all border crossings from August 1.  The government said the new arrangements would raise local spending by HK$8.8 billion to HK$17.6 billion and generate added value of about HK$2.7 billion to HK$5.4 billion to the economy. Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the move, saying it shows the central government's support for Hong Kong's economic development.   "The new measure will enhance the shopping experience for mainland resident visitors in Hong Kong and allow them greater flexibility when shopping, which is beneficial for Hong Kong in attracting more visitors and boosting the development of diversified tourism," he said.