China relaxes visa policy

1
China relaxes visa policy

• Up until recently Chinese citizens were only
  allowed in the UK for business, study and to
  visit relatives.

2
China relaxes visa policy

• But this year (2005) Beijing said it was an
  "approved destination".

• In January 2005, after 20 months of negotiations,
  the UK signed an agreement allowing Chinese group
  tours to visit Britain following the lead of
  other European Union member countries.

3
China relaxes visa policy

• New relaxed rules now mean anyone able to afford
  the costs can buy a holiday from an approved tour
  operator.

4
China relaxes visa policy

• . On Monday 25th July 2005, 40 tourists from
  Shanghai and another 40 from Beijing received a
  royal welcome from the Duke of York Prince Andrew
  at the Tower of London.

5
China relaxes visa policy

• British tourism officials are hopeful the new
  status could bring 500m a year by 2020 to the UK
  economy

• Tour companies are now being encouraged to open
  offices in China for potential tourists to book
  with
• This another clear example that China is
  increasingly opening up to the outside world

6
state railway sell off

• China plans to open up its rail network to
  investors
• China is looking to spend 2,000bn yuan (250bn)
  on its railways by 2020.

• China's has great ambitions for its rail network
  as it looks to open up the countryside and spread
  the effects of its booming economy.

7
state railway sell off

• There is a great divide between urban and rural
  development, and improved transport links will
  help to narrow the gap.
• It will also enable companies to shift goods
  around China more quickly

8
state railway sell off

• Beijing will offer foreign investors the chance
  to take minority stakes in national lines and
  majority or full ownership of local railways