Promoting mutual interests is at the heart of the European Union's deepening relationship with Hong Kong.
'Various forms of co-operation at many levels, as well as top- level visits from the EU to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to the EU serve to underline this partnership,' David Ting, head of the European Commission Office in Hong Kong, said.
The world's biggest trading entity, whose political and diplomatic influence matches its commercial clout, sees Hong Kong as 'one of Asia's most important cities,' Mr Ting notes, pointing out that the number of EU citizens in Hong Kong increased by 6,000 to about 49,000 as of March this year.
The importance attached to the relationship is reflected in a strategic document that the EU produced before Hong Kong's handover, providing a stronger foundation for the EU-Hong Kong relationship, he said.
This also committed the European Union to monitor the implementation of the 'one country, two systems', formula enshrined in the Basic Law of the SAR. The EU highlights its concerns and observations on issues including legal affairs, democratic process, human rights, labour law, freedom of travel, the media, and economic developments, as a part of the undertaking.
Referring to the second annual report, released in May last year, Mr Ting says the 'overall assess ment has been positive'. This report also raised some concerns over the government's decision to seek an interpretation from the National People's Congress Standing Committee on the Court of Final Appeal ruling regarding the right of abode issue.