ENG-2020 — Page 49

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Constitution and Administration

The director's report is submitted to the President of the Legislative Council and laid before the council, where it is considered by the committee. In 2020, the director submitted three reports: one on the audit certification of the government's accounts for the preceding financial year and two on the results of value-for-money audits, Report No 74 and Report No 75.

For Report No 74, the committee selected two of the eight chapters for public hearings, and investigated three other chapters by short public hearings and the remaining three chapters by making written enquiries.

For Report No 75, the committee investigated all 10 chapters by making written enquiries. Because of COVID-19, the related public hearings for the report had not yet been held by the end of 2020.

The audit recommendations were accepted by the audited bodies. The value-for-money audit reports attracted considerable public interest.

The director's reports on the accounts of other public bodies are submitted to the relevant authorities according to the legislation governing those bodies' operation.

The HKSAR's External Affairs

Active participation in international activities and close liaison with international partners have enabled the HKSAR to maintain its status as a global financial, trade, aviation and shipping centre. In 2020, HKSAR Government representatives took part as members of the PRC delegation in 23 international conferences limited to states3. HKSAR Government representatives also attended 1,070 international conferences not limited to states using the name 'Hong Kong, China!

The HKSAR Government also concluded five 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 63 consulates-general and 56 honorary consulates. Six international bodies have representative offices in Hong Kong.

Working Relationship with 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:

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Including those organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, World Health Organisation and World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Including those organised by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, World Customs Organisation and World Trade Organisation.

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These are listed at Appendix 4.

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