Functions
Hong Kong has full autonomy in the conduct of its external commercial relations. The Basic Law of the Hong Kong provides that it shall be a separate customs territory and may, using the name 'Hong Kong, China', participate in relevant international organisations and international trade agreements, such as the World Trade Organization.
The HKETOs concentrate most of their work on promoting Hong Kong's economic and trade interests. The major function of HKETOs include:
- Enhancing understanding of Hong Kong among opinion-formers
- Monitoring developments that might affect Hong Kong's economic and trading interests
- Liaising closely with the business and commercial sectors, politicians and the news media.
- Organize events to promote Hong Kong's image
- Regularly meeting with counterparts and contacts in the territories under their purview
- Organizes overseas visits of senior Hong Kong officials
HKETO London serves concurrently as Hong Kong's permanent mission to the International Maritime Organisation, HKETO Brussels to the European Communities, and HKETO Geneva to the World Trade Organisation.
In countries or territories where no HKETO is present, diplomatic missions of China have the duty to represent Hong Kong's interests. Visa applications at these missions are, nevertheless, sent to and processed by the Immigration Department of Hong Kong.
Read more about this topic: Hong Kong Economic And Trade Office
Famous quotes containing the word functions:
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—Kate Millett (b. 1934)
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—Charles Baudelaire (1821–1867)
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—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)