CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
16
the
(c) matters relating to the establishment of consular missions in the HKSAR
establishment of foreign consular and other official or semi-official missions is handled by the MFA Office (BL 157). The HKSAR Government is responsible for the day-to-day management of the 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
The HKSAR continues to play an active role in the international arena and maintains close contact with its international partners.
After reunification, the HKSAR Government has, on its own, concluded four international agreements with foreign states and region on matters such as co- operation in customs matters, co-operation in information technology, avoidance of double taxation, etc., in accordance with Article 151 of the Basic Law. It has also obtained the CPG's authorisation to conclude 64 bilateral agreements with foreign states in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, including 26 on air services, five on overflight, 10 on visa abolition, two on readmission of persons, 20 on reciprocal juridical assistance, and one on investment promotion and protection. More than 200 multilateral conventions are applicable to the HKSAR, about 80 of which do not apply to the Mainland.
In 2001, representatives of the HKSAR Government participated as members of delegations of the PRC more than 90 times in international conferences limited to states, including those organised by the International Telecommunication Union, World Intellectual Property Organisation, International Monetary Fund, Universal Postal Union and International Labour Organisation. Representatives of the HKSAR Government, using the name 'Hong Kong, China', also participated more than 640 times in inter-governmental conferences that were not limited to states, including those organised by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, World Trade Organisation, World Customs Organisation and World Meteorological Organisation. Active participation in international activities has enabled the HKSAR to maintain its status as an international financial, trade, civil aviation and shipping centre.
In 2001, the HKSAR played host to a number of prominent events, including the Fortune Global Forum, East Asia Economic Summit 2001 and the 14th General Meeting of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.
A total of 106 foreign states maintained official or semi-official presence in the HKSAR, including 55 consulates general, 45 honorary consuls and six semi-official (mostly trade) missions. In addition, six international organisations the Bank for International Settlements, the European Union, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Monetary Fund, the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank - have set up offices in the HKSAR.
Working Relations with the Mainland Authorities
Since reunification, the HKSAR Government has made significant progress in developing and maintaining a cordial working relationship with the CPG and other Mainland authorities. Through a wide range of exchanges, including visits, meetings, seminars and training programmes, various bureaux and departments of the HKSAR