Storyline: Over 23.8 million passenger entries and exits were recorded at a port linking the island of Hengqin, south China's Guangdong Province and neighboring Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) one year after a new customs operation became effective, according to data released on Friday. The new operation, aimed at enhancing customs clearance efficiency, entered effect on March 1, 2024 in the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, in the city of Zhuhai. The operation defines the boundary between Hengqin and the Macao SAR as the "first line", while designating the boundary between Hengqin and other regions of the Chinese mainland as the "second line". As of Friday, the "first line" registered more than 2.54 million vehicle trips and over 23.8 million passenger entries and exits since March 1 of last year, with both figures reflecting a year-on-year increase of over 30 percent. Additionally, vehicle trips crossing the "second line" reached 19.25 million, as various policy benefits continue to be released steadily. At the same time, authorities have taken proactive measures including the travel policy of "multi-entry permits" to ensure a more smooth and efficient border-crossing experience for people traveling between Hengqin and the Macao SAR. The new rules have also promoted more efficient and convenient flow of goods within the cooperation zone, with tax exemptions further expanded. For example, goods processed in Hengqin that have added value of 30 percent or more can enter the mainland through the "second line" without incurring import duties. The policies have created more opportunities and development space for enterprises. Shotlist: FILE: Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, south China - January 2025: 1. Aerial shots of sign of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin; traffic; 2. Aerial shots of vehicles passing through toll station; Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, south China - Recent: 3. Aerial shot of Hengqin Port; 4. Various of vehicles passing through border inspection; 5. Various of travelers passing border inspection; 6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Xiong, Hengqin resident (full name not given/ending with shot 7): "With the multi-entry permits, I feel there is no difference between living in Macao and Hengqin. It's very convenient as it's like being able to travel [between the two] at any time." 7. Various of travelers passing border inspection; 8. Various of freight truck passing border inspection; 9. Sign for border inspection site; 10. Various of driver opening truck door; 11. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Xi Xin, customs officer (ending with shot 12): "We have been continually deepening the integration of rules and mechanisms, and innovatively implementing the simplified cargo declaration. The required declaration items have been reduced by more than 60 percent." 12. Various of customs officers inspecting goods. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]