CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
(c) matters relating to the establishment of consular missions in the HKSAR. Foreign affairs issues, such as the establishment and abolition of consular representation (BL 157), consular appointments and the granting of privileges and immunities are handled by the MFA Office. The HKSARG is responsible for the day-to-day management of consular corps, such as the issue of consular identity cards, actual provision of privileges and immunities and ensuring the security of consular premises.
HKSAR's External Affairs
Hong Kong, as before, plays an active role in the international arena and maintains close contact with our international partners.
After reunification, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, the HKSARG concluded 27 binding bilateral agreements with foreign states, including 13 on air services, two on overflight, three on visa abolition, eight on reciprocal juridical assistance, and one on investment promotion and protection. The HKSARG also received the CPG's authorisation for the conclusion of another 19 binding bilateral agreements, including seven on air services, six on overflight, and six on reciprocal juridical assistance. More than 200 multilateral international agreements have been applied to the HKSAR, and they have been implemented by way of local legislation as necessary.
Representatives of the HKSARG participated using the name 'Hong Kong, China' in more than 1000 international conferences not limited to states, including those organised by international organisations such as the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and their subsidiary bodies. HKSARG representatives also participated as members of the PRC delegation in more than 90 international conferences limited to states, including those organised by international organisations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Active participation in international activities has enabled the HKSAR to maintain its status as an international financial and trade centre as well as a free port.
In 1998, the HKSAR played host to the WIPO Regional Conference. In July, the Bank of International Settlement established its first Asian representative office in the HKSAR.
A total of 98 foreign states maintained their official or semi-official presence in Hong Kong, including: 51 consulates general, 41 honorary consuls, and six semi- official (mostly trade) missions.
Working relations with the Mainland authorities
Article 22 of the Basic Law provides that no department of the CPG and no province, autonomous region, or municipality may interfere in the affairs which the HKSAR administers on its own in accordance with the Basic Law. To ensure that Mainland authorities at all levels conduct business with the HKSAR in line with this principle, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council has been assigned the role of a 'gate-keeper' for the Mainland authorities.
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