General Information » Economy » International Relations

Hong Kong’s international relations are unusual, based on its mixed parentage. Since 1997, China has been responsible for Hong Kong’s defence and foreign affairs. But Hong Kong has also retained many aspects of its pre-97 autonomy, including independent membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Hong Kong also continues to be treated as a distinct customs territory separate from the Mainland, thereby maintaining its free port status.

Hong Kong is also responsible for economic relations with its trading partners. It has overseas Economic and Trade Offices in ten of the key trading partner countries. In return, foreign countries have kept their representation in Hong Kong, with 110 Consulates or Consulates-General located in Hong Kong. You won’t find a single consular area in Hong Kong, but they are generally within easy reach of the main business district.

You’ll also find this added autonomy in operation at the individual level. Many local residents have two passports, and both offer visa-free access to many more countries than the normal Chinese passport. All Chinese citizens holding Hong Kong permanent identity cards can apply for a Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) passport. But, in another quirk of history, people holding BNO (British National Overseas) passports issued before 1997 may continue to use them, and renew them for life.