Hong Kong takes a positive attitude towards the implementation of the 3 Direct Links, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau says, adding the Trade Development Council has submitted an application to Taiwan authorities to form a branch office in Taipei.

In response to Ma Ying-jeou's remarks on Hong Kong today the bureau said the city conducts its relationship with Taiwan under the one-China principle.

Even though the implementation of the 3 Direct Links may lead to a slight reduction in the city's tourism arrivals and re-export trade, provided the relations across the Taiwan Strait are enhanced, and the economy on both sides continues to progress, this will benefit Hong Kong, the bureau said. The city's international financial centre will be able to play an even more prominent role.

The Government takes a positive attitude in furthering exchanges and liaison between Hong Kong and Taiwan. In the 2008-09 budget it has set aside additional resources to promote such exchanges.