ENG-2009 — Page 49

Constitution and Administration 13

of geographical constituencies and District Council constituencies, making regulations on practical arrangements for the Chief Executive election, the Legislative Council election, the District Council election and rural elections, and handling complaints relating to these elections. The Registration and Electoral Office, a government department headed by the Chief Electoral Officer, works under the commission's direction and carries out its decisions.

HKSAR's External Affairs

The HKSAR continues to play an active role in the international arena and maintains close contact with its international partners.

In 2009, representatives of the HKSAR Government, as members of the PRC delegation, took part in over 130 international conferences limited to states, including those organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, the World Health Organisation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The HKSAR also took part in over 790 inter-governmental conferences not limited to states in the capacity of 'Hong Kong, China', including those organised by the World Trade Organisation, Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation and the World Customs Organisation.

In accordance with Article 151 of the Basic Law, the HKSAR concluded over 20 agreements with foreign states in 2009 on matters such as economic and financial co-operation, maritime technical co-operation, postal co-operation and co-operation on wine-related businesses. With the authorisation of the Central People's Government (CPG), the HKSAR also concluded eight bilateral agreements with foreign states on air services, investment promotion and protection, surrender of fugitive offenders, mutual legal assistance and visa abolition during the year.

Active participation in international activities and close liaison with international partners have enabled the HKSAR to maintain its status as an international financial, trade, civil aviation and shipping centre.

There is a large foreign representation in the HKSAR, including 57 consulates- general, 60 consultates and five officially recognised international bodies.

Working Relationship of the HKSARG with the MFA Office

The HKSAR Government continues to work closely with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA Office) in Hong Kong, which was established by the CPG, in the following areas:

(a) participation in international organisations and conferences, such as obtaining the CPG's approval for HKSAR Government officials to participate as members of the PRC delegation in international conferences limited to states;