Green channels aid growth
More Asian countries lift travel curbs with China
The Asian economy will get a big boost as more countries in the region ease travel restrictions for bilateral exchanges with China, experts said.
After lifting some restrictions on the movement of people with countries such as South Korea, Singapore and Myanmar, Thailand took steps to help certain categories of people, including executives and technical personnel, to enter Thailand in a bid to revive business.
Non-Thai nationals may enter under a special arrangement with a foreign country, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s notification on conditions for international flight permits to Thailand, which took effect from Wednesday.
Other categories include the international students of educational institutions approved by Thai authorities and their parents or guardians.
A source close to the Beijing Chamber of Commerce in Thailand told the Global Times on Wednesday that she had heard about the new policy but wasn’t fully aware of the details.
“You need to go to the local visa center of the Thai Embassy. If you are allowed to enter, you will be quarantined for 14 days upon your arrival,” she said.
Driven by China’s economic resumption and the need for business recovery, other Asian countries are also easing restrictions for business travel to and from China.
South Korea was one of the first countries that China launched the “green channel” with, allowing some South Koreans to enter 10 Chinese cities including Shanghai for business purposes.
China and Singapore agreed to create a fast lane to facilitate essential business and official travel without a 14-day quarantine from June 8.
As of Wednesday, EU borders will be reopened to citizens from 15 nonEU countries, and China is on the list, subject to a pending reciprocal agreement, the BBC reported on Tuesday.
The EU is ready to add China if the Chinese government offers a reciprocal deal for EU travelers, the BBC reported, citing diplomats.
Tian Yun, vice director of the Beijing Economic Operation Association, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the easing of travel restriction will boost the regional economic recovery in the post-pandemic period, but the exchange depends on multiple factors including trust.