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 (HKSARG) has on its own concluded more than 10 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 — with the authorisation of the Central People's Government — concluded 86 bilateral agreements with foreign states in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, comprising 38 on air services, 15 on visa abolition, three on readmission of persons, 28 on reciprocal juridical assistance, two on investment promotion and protection. More than 200 multilateral conventions are applicable to the HKSAR, about 75 of which do not apply to the Mainland.

In 2005, representatives of the HKSAR Government — as members of PRC delegations — participated more than 100 times in international conferences limited to states, including those organised by the International Telecommunication Union, the World Intellectual Property Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the Universal Postal Union and the International Labour Organisation. Representatives of the Government, using the name 'Hong Kong, China', also took part in more than 760 inter-governmental conferences not limited to states, including those organised by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, the World Trade Organisation, the World Customs Organisation and the 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.

During the year, the HKSAR played host to a number of international events, including the Asian Cultural Co-operation Forum and the Sixth World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference.

At year-end, a total of 110 foreign states maintained an official presence in the HKSAR, including 56 consulates general and 54 honorary consuls. 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.