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Following is the full text of the speech by the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Departmental Review in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Customs and Excise Department today (Saturday):

Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, officers on parade,

It gives me great pleasure to take part in today's Departmental Review, which marks the 90th Anniversary of the Customs and Excise Department. The smart turnout and dignified bearing of the officers on parade just now have not only reflected their own merit as a group of well-trained disciplinary officers, but also brought great pride and honour to the Department as a whole.

The history of the Customs and Excise Department can be traced back to its predecessor, the Preventive Service, which was set up in 1909 with a small establishment of 26 Revenue Officers. Over the past nine decades, Hong Kong has transformed from a petty seaport into a leading international commercial centre. The Department has also undergone considerable expansion in both its establishment and scope of responsibilities. With an establishment of 5,200 strong staff members, the Customs and Excise Department is now a major department under the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, committed to the enforcement of 48 different pieces of legislation.

Despite the ever-increasing workload over the years, the Customs and Excise Department has made outstanding achievements in the discharge of its multifaceted duties, including the protection of revenue on dutiable commodities, the detection of drug trafficking and smuggling, the protection of intellectual property rights and consumer interests, the exercise of import and export controls as well as customs clearance of travellers and goods. Without the concerted efforts of all members of the Department, its past achievements would not have been possible.

The good work of the Customs and Excise Department has in fact contributed greatly to our society. The Department's success in law enforcement has helped upholding the law and order of Hong Kong. More importantly, the Department has proven to the world through its unrelenting boundary control, active participation in the international customs arena and sustained efforts to maintain its independence and autonomy in the control of strategic commodities that Hong Kong remains a separate customs territory after its return to China, and that the concept of "one country, two systems" has been implemented successfully in Hong Kong.

With the advent of the 21st Century, we commit ourselves to developing Hong Kong into a centre of innovation and technology. To achieve this goal, the Customs and Excise Development shall continue to play an important role in the protection of intellectual property rights. Full utilisation of high-tech products and respect for intellectual property rights are both essential to the social and economic development of Hong Kong as a whole. To protect intellectual property rights, the Customs and Excise Department has taken vigorous actions against rights infringement activities and has established close links with mainland and international law enforcement authorities as well as the relevant industries.

The Customs and Excise Department has secured high regard for its effectiveness and efficiency locally as well as in the mainland and throughout the world. On the auspicious occasion of its 90th Anniversary, I am pleased to extend to the Department my sincere congratulations and take great pride in all the past achievements it has made.

As we move towards the 21st Century, I believe that the Department will carry forward its good tradition and continue its endeavours to provide the community with highly efficient service and contribute to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. I have full confidence that with the joint efforts of all its staff members, the Department will remain highly responsive to the changing environment with sustained determination to stand challenges and achieve higher goals through self-improvement.

Thank you very much.

End/Saturday, September 4, 1999

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