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Constitution and Administration

HKSAR's External Affairs

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.

In 2013, HKSAR Government representatives took part as members of the PRC delegation in over 70 international conferences limited to states, including those organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, the World Health Organisation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation. HKSAR Government representatives also took part in over 1,500 international conferences not limited to states, including those organised by the World Trade Organisation, Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation and the World Customs Organisation.

The HKSAR Government concluded 50 agreements with foreign states in 2013, dealing with air services, surrender of fugitive offenders, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, transfer of sentenced persons, double taxation avoidance, etc. In addition, one multilateral convention, the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks, became applicable to the HKSAR in 2013.

Foreign representation in the HKSAR includes 59 consulates-general and 64 consulates. Six international bodies have representative offices in Hong Kong.

Working Relationship with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA Office)

The HKSAR Government continues to work closely with the MFA Office in Hong Kong 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;

(b) negotiation and conclusion of international agreements, such as obtaining the CPG's specific authorisation for the negotiation and conclusion of agreements with foreign states;

(c) consular protection for Hong Kong people in distress overseas; and

(d) matters relating to consular missions in the HKSAR.

Working Relationship with the Mainland Authorities

The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau is responsible for co-ordinating contacts between the HKSAR Government and the Mainland authorities, promoting regional co- operation initiatives between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and overseeing the operation of the HKSAR Government's Mainland Offices.

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