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The HKSAR continues to play an active role in the international arena
and maintains close contact with its international partners.
Since July 1, 1997, the HKSAR Government has, on its
own, concluded 10 international agreements with foreign states and regions
on matters such as customs cooperation, 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 73
bilateral agreements with foreign states in accordance with the relevant
provisions of the Basic Law, comprising 34 on air services, 11 on visa
abolition, three on readmission of persons, 23 on reciprocal juridical
assistance, one on investment promotion and protection, and one on avoidance
of double taxation. More than 200 multilateral conventions are applicable
to the HKSAR, about 75 of which do not apply to the Mainland.
In 2003, representatives of the HKSAR Government participated
as members of delegations of the PRC about 80 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 560 times in inter-governmental conferences 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 2003, the HKSAR played host to a number of prominent
events, including the BusinessWeek CEO Conference, the Conference on International
Cooperation for Tourism Development under a New Paradigm and the ICAC-Interpol
Conference.
At year-end, a total of 114 foreign states maintained
an official or semi-official presence in the HKSAR, including 56 consulates
general, 53 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. |
