December 20 marks the 24th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. In the first 11 months of 2023, Guangdong's imports and exports to Macao reached 14.04 billion RMB. In November alone, the import and export volume amounted to 1.38 billion RMB, up 4.3 percent, according to the latest statistics released by the Guangdong Sub-administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC).
Among the commodities Guangdong exported to Macao, renewable energy products, such as electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar cells, recorded an increase of 154.9 percent compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the export of electric vehicles and solar cells increased by 165 percent and 456 percent, respectively.
Since the policy "Northbound Travel for Macao Vehicles" came into effect on January 1, 2023, Macao residents have actively applied for the quick pass and driven into and out of Chinese mainland. As of November this year, Macao vehicles crossed the border between Chinese mainland and Macao for a total of 1.002 million times. The policy made it much more convenient for Macao residents to take short-term business trips, study, work, live, or travel in Chinese mainland.
The customs authorities of Guangdong and Macao have been working closely to align the regulations and mechanism for the inspection and quarantine of agricultural and food products. From January to November, the export volume of agricultural products from Guangdong to Macao was 2.48 billion RMB, up 45.3 percent compared to the same period last year, accounting for 18.1 percent of the total export. Additionally, the import of agricultural products from Macao rose by 137.9 percent.
Currently, there are two cross-border ports between Guangdong and Macao where the "Single E-lock Scheme" is in effect, the Zhuhai land port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hengqin port. These two ports have enhanced border-crossing efficiency.
The "Single E-lock Scheme" is a cooperation project between Guangdong and Macao Customs aimed at promoting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
With a single electronic customs lock that features satellite positioning functions, the Customs of both places can monitor the entire journey of vehicles loaded with cross-border goods. This allows them to pass through borders unhindered and minimize inspection by the Customs of both places. The scheme can speed up the flow of goods, reduce transportation time for industries, and enhance competitiveness.