Welcome to the web page of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was established on 1 July 1997. The Basic Law came into effect on that day and underpins the systems practised in Hong Kong. My colleagues and I regard it as our duty to ensure that matters within the portfolio of constitutional and mainland affairs are dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law. The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau is responsible for overseeing the full and faithful implementation of the Basic Law. We have developed and maintained a constructive working relationship between the HKSAR Government and the Central People's Government and other Mainland authorities in accordance with the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "a high degree of autonomy" and "Hong Kong people running Hong Kong". With effect from 1 July 2007, the Constitutional Affairs Bureau has been re-titled as the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau to reflect more clearly the Bureau key function of coordinating and promoting closer ties and cooperation with the Mainland. The Mainland Affairs Liaison Office of the Bureau is tasked to coordinate liaison between the HKSAR Government and the relevant Mainland Authorities, as well as to promote various regional cooperation initiatives between Hong Kong and the Mainland. It also oversees the operation of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Guangdong, Shanghai and Chengdu. In addition, our Bureau is responsible for ensuring that external affairs matters relating to the HKSAR are handled in accordance with the Basic Law and in the interests of Hong Kong. We are also responsible for the coordination of liaison between the HKSAR Government and Taiwan organisations in Hong Kong. On constitutional affairs, we will continue to take forward the communityˇ¦s discussions on the models, roadmap and timetable for implementing universal suffrage for the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council. Based on opinions received through public consultation, we hope that there will be a foundation for us to come up with a set of mainstream views for taking forward the work to the next phase. We will also determine the way forward for further developing the political appointment system in the second half of 2007. On the electoral front, we ensure that local elections are held fairly, openly and honestly in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law. Moreover, with effect from 1 July 2007, our Bureau assumes responsibility for matters relating to human rights and access to information. In carrying out our work, we will be guided by the Basic Law which provides for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. I invite you to visit this web page which provides information on our policies and the work of our Bureau. The success of Hong Kong depends on the concerted efforts of the community. Your opinion will play an important role in shaping the development of our policies. If you have any comments and suggestions on this web page or our work, please let us know by e-mail or by post. Stephen Lam |
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