BEIJING, January 1 -- China will start using e-passport and e-DI (Document of Identity for Visa Purposes) for residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) from February 5, 2007, according to a bulletin issued by the Foreign Ministry Monday.

Both the e-passport and e-DI for the Hong Kong SAR will be travel documents issued by the Chinese government. The holder of the two documents will be permitted to travel to all countries and regions in the world, the bulletin says.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry requests the authorities of all countries and regions to render convenience and necessary assistance to travellers holding the e-passport, it says.

In line with the provisions of Article 154 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese government has authorized the Hong Kong SAR government to issue e-passport and e-DI to Chinese citizens according to relevant laws.

In addition, China's diplomatic representatives and consular institutions as well as all other overseas bodies authorized by the Foreign Ministry will also be entitled, according to international norms, to issue the Hong Kong SAR e-passport and e-DI.

According to the bulletin, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has begun to provide samples of the Hong Kong SAR e-passport and e-DI and their e-specifications to all countries of the world through diplomatic channels.

The Foreign Ministry hopes that all countries and regions will give positive consideration to offering visa-exempt treatment to Hong Kong SAR passport holders, the bulletin says.