ENG-2005 — Page 39

Constitution and Administration 1 13

Universal Postal Union and the International Labour Organisation. Representatives of the Government, using the name 'Hong Kong, China', also took part in more than 760 inter-governmental conferences not limited to states, including those organised by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, the World Trade Organisation, the World Customs Organisation and the 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.

During the year, the HKSAR played host to a number of international events, including the Asian Cultural Co-operation Forum and the Sixth World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference.

At year-end, a total of 110 foreign states maintained an official presence in the HKSAR, including 56 consulates general and 54 honorary consuls. In addition, international organisations such as 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 Relationship of the HKSARG with the MFA Office

The Central People's Government (CPG), which under the Basic Law is responsible for foreign affairs relating to the HKSAR, established the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA Office) in Hong Kong on July 1, 1997. The Government has liaised closely with the MFA Office since then in the following areas:

(a) participation in international organisations and conferences

for instance,

obtaining the CPG's approval for HKSAR Government officials to participate as members of the PRC delegation in international conferences limited to states (Basic Law Article 152);

(b) negotiation and conclusion of international agreements with foreign states and regions for example, obtaining the CPG's specific authorisation for the negotiation and conclusion of Air Services Agreements with foreign states in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law (Basic Law Article 133); and

(c) matters relating to the establishment of consular missions in the HKSAR

the establishment of foreign consular and other official or semi-official missions is a matter for the MFA Office (Basic Law Article 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.

Working Relationship with the Mainland Authorities

Since reunification, the Government has made significant progress in developing and maintaining a cordial working relationship with the CPG and other Mainland