The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) is the representation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China abroad. Since citizens of most countries do not need visas to enter Hong Kong, the HKETO concentrates most of its work on promoting trade and tourism in Hong Kong. In countries or regions where HKETOs do not exist, the embassy of the People's Republic of China has the duty of representing Hong Kong's interests. Interestingly though, HKETO also has a location in Guangdong Province in China, since this is not a diplomatic mission. HKETO at London, UK was set up before the handover in 1997.
Prior to the entering into force of The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996 enacted by the United Kingdom Parliament, Hong Kong represented its interests abroad in a special office within the British Embassy (or High Commission), and Commonwealth member states sent High Commissioners to represent their interests in Hong Kong. However, after the Handover on 1 July 1997 of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China, all representations in Hong Kong are of the consulate level subordinate to the embassy in China in Beijing.
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