Talks on new privileges for territory's overseas missions

Negotiations are under way to secure semi-diplomatic privileges and immunities for Hong Kong Government offices around the world after the handover.

The territory has nine missions in the United States, Asia and Europe carrying out trade and economic duties, and an office in London which liaises with the British Government.

Britain is expected to grant new powers to the territory's office after the handover.

The Hong Kong Government Office in Mayfair will have to drop its political functions, which include lobbying members of parliament over general Hong Kong affairs, and change its title to an economic and trade office.

The new privileges and immunities, which required China's agreement through the Joint Liaison Group, will prevent authorities from raiding the office or searching correspondence, as well as providing it with tax-free status.

A senior official from Hong Kong's Trade and Industry Branch, which has responsibility for the overseas offices, said that diplomatic status was not being sought for the missions, just the necessary privileges needed for handling trade issues.

'If it is a trade and economic office we may conduct negotiations, so we may need some protection,' he said.