Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: Annual report 2013

Since the handover of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China in 1997, the European Union and its Member States have closely followed political and economic developments in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. In line with the commitment given to the European Parliament in 1997, an annual report is issued on developments in Hong Kong. This is the 16th such report, covering developments in 2013.

The EU believes that the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, enshrined in the Sino-British Declaration and the Basic Law of Hong Kong, continued to work well in 2013. The rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Hong Kong continued to be respected, the rule of law was maintained and the market economy and business environment was preserved.

Bilateral relations between the EU and Hong Kong continued to deepen, with a visit to Hong Kong in November by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso. Trade and economic relations developed well and the EU and Hong Kong continued and expanded dialogue and cooperation in many areas of mutual interest, including financial services, customs, the environment, research, education and culture.

The EU attaches great importance to Hong Kong’s stability, economic prosperity and democratic development. It believes that an accountable government contributes to stability and prosperity and helps maintain Hong Kong’s position as a key international business centre.

The EU continues to support substantial progress towards the goal of the Hong Kong government and the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of achieving universal suffrage by 2017 for the election of the Chief Executive and by 2020 for the election of the Legislative Council, in accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR and the wishes of the people of Hong Kong.