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

    After July 1, 1997, the HKSAR Government has, on its own, concluded five international agreements with foreign states and regions on matters such as cooperation in customs matters, cooperation in information technology and avoidance of double taxation in accordance with Article 151 of the Basic Law. It has also obtained the CPG's authorisation to conclude 70 bilateral agreements with foreign states in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, including 29 on air services, five on overflight, 11 on visa abolition, three on readmission of persons, 21 on reciprocal juridical assistance, and one on investment promotion and protection. More than 200 multilateral conventions are applicable to the HKSAR, about 80 of which do not apply to the Mainland.

    In 2002, representatives of the HKSAR Government participated as members of delegations of the PRC more than 70 times in international conferences limited to states, including those organised by the International Telecommunication Union, World Intellectual Property Organisation, International Monetary Fund, Universal Postal Union and International Labour Organisation. Representatives of the HKSAR Government, using the name 'Hong Kong, China', also participated more than 710 times in inter-governmental conferences that were not limited to states, including those organised by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, World Trade Organisation, World Customs Organisation and 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.

    In 2002, the HKSAR played host to a number of prominent events, including the second annual Forbes Global CEO Conference, the 16th World Congress of Accountants and the International Telecommunication Union's Telecom Asia 2002.

    At year-end, a total of 111 foreign states maintained an official or semi-official presence in the HKSAR, including 55 consulates general, 51 honorary consuls and five semi-official (mostly trade) missions. 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.