The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for passing the so-called Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office Certification Act, which called for the removal of the privileges, exemptions and immunities to the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Offices (ETOs) in the US and even their closure.

Noting that the passing of the act constitutes gross interference in the affairs of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong SAR Government sternly urged the US to respect the basic norms governing international relations and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has established and maintained economic and trade relations with places around the world in accordance with the "one country, two systems" principle and has, pursuant to Article 156 of the Basic Law and legislation of the host countries, set up 14 overseas ETOs as its official representatives, including the three ETOs in the US.

In their respective jurisdictions and through various means, the ETOs in Washington DC, New York and San Francisco maintain close liaison with interlocutors in government, business, think tanks and various sectors to enrich the ties between Hong Kong and the US in areas such as trade, investment, arts and culture.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that the three ETOs will continue to promote Hong Kong's unique advantages and tell the good stories of the city, refute erroneous reports where necessary and clarify misconceptions without fear or favour, so as to foster economic and trade relations and co-operation on different fronts between Hong Kong and the US on a mutually beneficial basis.