Consular missions in Hong Kong Embassies in Beijing, such as those of the following countries: When Hong Kong was under British rule, the Governor represented the British government, as well as the British monarch as head of state. Matters relating to British nationality were handled by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. However, the United Kingdom's commercial interests were represented by the British Trade Commission. The last Senior Trade Commissioner, Francis Cornish, became the first British Consul-General following the transfer of sovereignty to China, on July 1, 1997. During the negotiations between Britain and China on the future of Hong Kong, the British proposed the establishment
Executive Council of Hong Kong below Government House (former residence of the British Governor of Hong Kong). Prior to the handover, the Provisional Executive Council of Hong Kong, headed by Tung Chee Hwa, met in Shenzhen or Tung's office on the 11th floor of the Asia Pacific Finance Tower in Hong Kong. Members of the outgoing British Hong Kong ExCo were not permitted to attend this body. Both Executive Council sittings were on Tuesdays. Executive Council of Hong Kong The Executive Council of Hong Kong (ExCo; ; Chinese name before the transfer of sovereignty: 行政局) is a formal body of advisers to the Chief Executive