I hope this email finds you well. I am pleased to inform you about the latest announcement regarding the launch of more high-speed trains between the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Federation warmly welcomes this development, as it will greatly facilitate cross-boundary travel and better integrate Hong Kong into China's overall development. 

Starting from June 15, 2024, two sets of high-speed overnight trains will operate between Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as Shanghai and Hong Kong. These trains, namely D909/910 departing from Beijing West Railway Station and D907/909 departing from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, will replace the previous express trains, providing shortened transportation times for passengers. 

The travel time between Beijing and Hong Kong will be reduced from 24 hours and 31 minutes to just 12 hours and 34 minutes. Similarly, the journey from Shanghai to Hong Kong will take only 11 hours and 14 minutes, compared to the previous 19 hours and 34 minutes. 

These high-speed overnight trains are equipped with advanced facilities and increased capacity, with more than 600 seats available. Passengers will also benefit from a reduced customs clearance time, as they will only need to go through the process once in Hong Kong instead of being checked twice upon departure. Additionally, the trains will make stops at more stations along the route. The weekly number of operating high-speed overnight trains will increase from 14 to 16. 

To further enhance transportation efficiency, more trains will be allocated to run on different routes nationwide. As an example, a new set of train will operate from Zhangjiajie city in Hunan Province to Hong Kong for the first time, starting June 15. The total number of trains operating between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong will reach 127 at its peak, covering 16 provinces. 

These efforts by rail authorities aim to bolster transportation and strengthen the connection between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. The cross-boundary passenger flow has shown significant growth, with 10.74 million cross-boundary passenger trips recorded from January to May this year through the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. This represents a yearly increase of 79.9 percent since the line resumed operation in January 2023. 

Furthermore, the China's National Immigration Administration in April has unveiled a number of new policies to facilitate business, and people-to-people exchanges between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao. 

For instance, Beijing and Shanghai will be included in the policy of multi-entry endorsements with a validity of one to five years for six designated categories of talent to travel to Hong Kong and Macao, allowing a stay of 30 days for each trip. 

We believe that these developments will bring about increased opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.  As members of our Federation, we encourage you to explore the potential benefits that these improved transportation links can offer to your respective endeavors.