The reunification of Taiwan with the motherland will certainly be beneficial and has no drawbacks, Hong Kong Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said in Hong Kong Tuesday (Nov. 9).

"After reunification, Taiwan will no longer face political uncertainties. Economically, like Hong Kong, Taiwan can develop its mainland market and participate in international conferences and organizations. All these factors will create new room further development," Lam said at a meeting with the Alliance for the Reunification of China delegation from Taiwan.

Lam noted that the number of jurisdictions now granting visa-free access to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)Passport holders has grown from 36 at Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997 to more than 130, showing the confidence of the international community in the city's future.

Lam said the HKSAR government enjoys a high degree of autonomy and handles most affairs itself. It has been dealing with external affairs according to the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems principle, allowing it to participate in international conferences and organizations, attend meetings limited to states as a member of the mainland's delegation, and participate in inter-governmental meetings.

Editor: Olivia