CCBL-SG/EXA-WG03-FRO1-870311(E)
1
Introduction
to
The prosperity of Hong Kong relies to a great extent on its
international trade.
It is
important for Hong Kong present what it has to offer to the world at large. To do this it must keep in close contact with the pulse of world trade.
Hong Kong does this partly through its Overseas offices operating in most of the countries having close trading ties with Hong Kong. These offices carry out a variety of functions to persent Hong Kong to the world. At present, these offices, especially the Government ones, have strong attachment to the British representational offices in the related countries. It is of crucial importance that Hong
overseas
Kong should continue to maintain its close relationis after 1997. sovereignty dicussion paper.
How it is
to
achieve this when reverted to China is the focus of this
is
2
Background/Present Situation
Ini order to establish and keep up Hong Kong's foreign
•
overseas
relations, the Hong Kong Government, as well as Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and Hong Kong Tourist Association maintain overseas offices
Basically, these offices provide મ point of direct contact between Hong Kong and the foreign governments and organisations but their specific functions differ:
2.1
Government Offices
2.1
1 Trade and Industry Branch
The Hong Kong Government maintains reperesentative offices in London, Geneva, Brussels, Washington, and New York. These overseas offices are administered by the Trade and Industry Branch of the Government Secretariat. They represent Hong Kong's commercial relations interests and provide information on international developments which may affect Hong Kong.
The London Office is the
largest and carries the widest range of functions among the overseas government offices. It provides a point of direct contact in London between Hong Kong and departments of the British Government, Members of Parliament, and organisations with an interest Hong Kong. It is also responsible for recruitment to the Hong Kong Government and carries out co-ordination work for further training courses.
in
+
Another division
of
the office liases with Honig Kong people in Britain and helps with problems arising from their living in Britain or relating to their families
and
1