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Constitution and Administration

The HKSAR Government also concluded 29 bilateral agreements with foreign states and regions and international organisations that covered free trade, avoidance of double taxation, cultural cooperation and other matters.

Foreign representation in the HKSAR includes 62 consulates-general and 55 honorary consulates. Six international bodies have representative offices in Hong Kong.

Working Relationship with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The HKSAR Government works closely with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong in these areas:

• participation in international organisations and conferences, such as obtaining the CPG's views for HKSAR Government officials to take part in international conferences limited to states as members of the PRC delegation;

negotiation and conclusion of agreements, such as obtaining the CPG's authorisation to negotiate and conclude agreements with foreign states as necessary;

• consular protection for Hong Kong residents in distress overseas; and

• matters relating to consular missions in the HKSAR.

Working Relationship with Mainland and Macao Authorities

The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau coordinates contacts between the HKSAR Government and the Mainland and Macao authorities, promotes regional cooperation between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and between Hong Kong and Macao, and oversees the operation of the HKSAR Government's Mainland offices.

The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council facilitates the HKSAR Government's development of contacts with the Mainland authorities, and liaises closely with the HKSAR Government on matters of mutual concern and on arrangements for official visits between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Regional Cooperation with Mainland

The HKSAR Government is committed to strengthening regional cooperation with the Mainland and performing an active role as a facilitator and promotor, so as to identify more business and development opportunities for Hong Kong people and enterprises. Hong Kong participates actively in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, deepens regional cooperation through its cooperation mechanisms with the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) region, Guangdong, Beijing, Shanghai, Fujian, Sichuan and Shenzhen, and

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They are the Bank for International Settlements Representative Office for Asia and the Pacific, Hague Conference on Private International Law Asia Pacific Regional Office, International Finance Corporation Regional Office for East Asia and Pacific and World Bank Private Sector Development Office for East Asia and Pacific, International Monetary Fund Hong Kong SAR Sub-Office, Office of the European Union, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Sub-Office.

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