Britain's strong commitment to Hong Kong, deriving from its important political, consular and economic interests in the territory, has not diminished since the transfer of sovereignty. Relations between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom are deep and wide-ranging with extensive contacts in the fields of culture, education, the professions, business, legal affairs and government.

Political Ties

As a co-signatory of the Joint Declaration Britain has an enduring political commitment to Hong Kong. Additionally, there continues to be a wide range of high-level visits in both directions.

Consular Services

There are some 3.5 million British passport-holders in Hong Kong. The majority are British Nationals (Overseas) - BN(O)s. This form of British nationality accords visa-free access to the UK for visits, but not the right of abode in the UK. BN(O)s enjoy the same level of consular service in third countries as other British Nationals.

Trade

Britain has a clear stake in Hong Kong's continuing prosperity and Hong Kong remains a key market for UK Trade & Investment. Britain is the second largest European foreign investor in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is Britain's fourth largest Asian market, after China, Japan and India. Around 14% of British exports to Mainland China also pass through Hong Kong and many British companies use Hong Kong as a base for their operations in China and the rest of the Asia Pacific region. In the other direction, Hong Kong has been a source of major long term investment into the UK. 

The Consulate-General

Reflecting these extensive interests, Britain's Consulate-General in Hong Kong is the largest British Consulate in the world, bigger than most British Embassies and High Commissions. The Consulate-General and the British Council are housed in a magnificent building which includes the largest British passport-issuing operation anywhere outside the UK.