Participation in International Organisations

As one of the most open economies in the world, Hong Kong plays an active role in promoting free trade and economic cooperation globally. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Articles 116 and 151 of the Basic Law confer Hong Kong the status of a separate customs territory, with constitutional rights to take part in certain international organisations as a member on its own.

In trade and economic development, these organisations include:

 

World Trade Organization

The rules-based multilateral trading system under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s external trade policy. Hong Kong is a founding member of the WTO and has continued its separate membership under the name “Hong Kong, China” since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region.

 

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Hong Kong contributes to policy discussions on international trade and financial services in the Trade Committee and the Committee on Financial Markets of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

 

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Geneva is the official representation of Hong Kong at WTO and the Trade Committee of OECD.

 

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Hong Kong contributes to regional economic development through its participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as a full and separate member under the name “Hong Kong, China”. Trade between Hong Kong and other APEC member economies accounts for some 80% of Hong Kong's external trade. APEC serves as an important platform for Hong Kong to cooperate with other member economies on a wide range of economic and trade issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

More on Hong Kong’s participation in international trade organisations

More on Hong Kong’s external commercial relations