Canada-Hong Kong relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada is represented in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) by its consulate general in Hong Kong. For mainland China, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada to China in Beijing and three consulates general located in the regions.
Hong Kong is represented in Canada by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Toronto and a HKETO liaison office in Vancouver. On national defence and foreign relations, Hong Kong is represented by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada, in Ottawa.
Canada’s bilateral relations with Hong Kong reflect longstanding and comprehensive commercial, political and people-to-people ties. In addition to deep-rooted historical ties, including jointly defending Hong Kong during World War II, the people of Canada and the people of Hong Kong share common values, among them respect for the rule of law, human rights and individual freedoms.
On July 1, 1997, following 150 years of British colonial rule, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. China promised to grant Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy, including its own constitution, legislature, legal and judicial systems, and economic autonomy. The “One Country, Two Systems” framework was set out in the Basic Law and guaranteed under the Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984).
Hong Kong boasts one of the largest Canadian communities abroad (an estimated 300,000 people, based on survey data). This community, along with the significant number of Canadians of Hong Kong descent living in Canada, plays an important role in building vibrant bilateral relations.
Canada’s presence in Hong Kong is also reflected in the existence of many Hong Kong-Canadian associations, such as the Chinese Canadian Association, the Canadian Club of Hong Kong, the Canadian University Association, and 29 other active Canadian university and college alumni associations. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is one of the largest Canadian business organizations outside Canada, with over 1,200 members. Hong Kong has a mature, trade- and services-driven economy with a per capita GDP (at purchasing power parity) comparable to Canada’s.
When the People’s Republic of China imposed a National Security Law (NSL) in 2020, Canada expressed concern that this would lead to an erosion of respect for human rights and universal freedoms. Canada suspended its extradition agreement with Hong Kong, imposed export control measures, updated Global Affairs Canada’s travel advice and issued an advisory for Hong Kong, and launched new proactive immigration measures for Hong Kong residents.
During China’s Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record at the UN Human Rights Council on January 23, 2024, Canada recommended that China repeal the National Security Law and discontinue all cases against individuals in Hong Kong prosecuted for exercising their human rights and freedoms. Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity are of great importance to Canada. On March 20, 2024, Canada issued a public statement about Hong Kong’s rapid passage of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, a new national security legislation enacted under Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, and expressed deep concern regarding the impact the new law could have on human rights in Hong Kong.
Canada will continue to support the many meaningful exchanges between Canada and Hong Kong, while standing up for the people of Hong Kong and advocating for China’s continued adherence to the “One Country, Two Systems” framework outlined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Learn more about Canada’s:
- Travel Advisory on Hong Kong
- statement regarding Hong Kong’s adoption of a new national security law, and
- action following passage of the National Security Legislation (NSL) for Hong Kong
Trade relations
Despite its longstanding reputation as an attractive market for Canadian companies, there is risk in doing business in Hong Kong. The introduction of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 and the vagueness of its provisions and its application may pose a risk to all businesses and individuals residing, visiting, or transiting through Hong Kong. The implementation of the NSL and the newly enacted Mainland Judgements in Civil and Commercial Matters Ordinance may pose challenges for Canadian companies to fully assess the risk of their current and future investments and operations in HKSAR.
Merchandise
Hong Kong is Canada's 22nd largest trading partner and 8th largest in Asia. Total merchandise trade with Hong Kong in 2023 was $5.3 billion, with Canadian exports of $4.9 billion and imports from Hong Kong of $409.7 million. Canada’s priority sectors in Hong Kong are precious stones and metals (mainly unwrought gold), aluminum products, wireless telecommunication equipment, and fish and seafood.
Services
In 2023, Canada’s two-way services trade with Hong Kong was $8.1 billion. Services exports to Hong Kong were $2.7 billion and services imports from Hong Kong were $5.4 billion. Top sectors for service exports include transport, commercial services, and travel.
In addition, Hong Kong is a major investment partner for Canada. The total stock of Canadian direct investment in Hong Kong in 2022 stood at $14 billion, and the total stock of Hong Kong direct investment in Canada stood at $12 billion over the same period.
The Canada-Hong Kong Avoidance of Double Taxation Treaty (2013) and the bilateral Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (2016) may offer opportunities to further strengthen the robust Canada-Hong Kong bilateral trade and investment relationship.
Related links
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Hong Kong work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
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