For Hong Kong, direct cross-strait flights means drop

The replacement of flights between Hong Kong and Taiwan with direct links to the mainland could see a 50% reduction in air freight between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Two-thirds of passenger flights between Hong Kong and Taiwan would be replaced by direct cross-strait flights following full implementation of the 'three direct links' between the mainland and Taiwan, resulting in a 50% reduction in air freight between Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The South China Morning Post reported that the results are part of a study by the Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre, which also estimated projected Hong Kong's annual gross domestic product would grow by an additional 0.94 of a percentage point — around US$83 billion — by 2038 if the city formed a common market with the mainland and Taiwan,

The research centre, which is closely linked to Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, proposed Hong Kong and Taiwan introduce reciprocal visa-free treatment and relaxation of work visas, as well as sign an economic co-operation agreement to facilitate bilateral ties.

CargoNews Asia reports that the centre suggested upgrading the Hong Kong-Taiwan Business Co-operation Committee, a new interdepartmental committee that is headed by Financial Secretary John Tsang, to a body authorised by both governments to handle bilateral trade ties.

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