Business travel card program to be expanded

China and other APEC member economies are planning to extend the period of validity of the APEC Business Travel Card from three to five years and widen availability of the card to other professions.

Zhang Shaogang, director-general of the department of international trade and economic affairs at the Ministry of Commerce, said the Chinese government is working closely with the foreign affairs and border control authorities of other APEC members to expand the card's ability to increase connectivity within the region.

"The governments of APEC economies are considering allowing scholars, students and media professionals to apply for the ABTC in a bid to further improve business, technology and media exchanges among multinational corporations, press agencies, influential academic institutions and universities within the region," said Zhang.