Economic and trade exchanges between the Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan will become more liberal when the 3 Direct Links scheme is implemented, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma says.

Mr Ma today told lawmakers that at the early stage of implementing the scheme, traffic between Hong Kong and Taiwan in respect of passengers destined for the major cities of Mainland through Hong Kong, and the cargo transhipments to and from ports outside the Pearl River Delta Region, will be slightly affected.

The actual impact on Hong Kong will depend on the implementation programme of various measures and the detailed arrangements, he said.

"In the longer term, economic and trade exchanges between the Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan will become more liberal, enabling the four places to take better advantages of their respective edges and creating synergy and complementary effects. This will benefit regional trade, as well as the overall economic cooperation and long term development of the four places."

Proactive measures

The Government will face and adapt to the changes arising from the links in a proactive manner. It will enhance exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan, and capitalise on Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre to facilitate the investment and development of both Mainland and Taiwan enterprises across the Strait.

On tourism, Hong Kong will strive to attract new visitors to cover any possible loss through new services and enhancement of existing services.

The Government is also in touch with a number of leading international arbitration bodies to explore the feasibility of their establishing branches in Hong Kong. The International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce has decided to set up a branch of its Secretariat in Hong Kong soon.