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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Customs Headquarters Building this afternoon (February 21):
Commissioner, Vice Minister Lu, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to officiate at the opening of the Customs Headquarters Building.
On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I warmly welcome Mr Lu Bin, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs; our friends from Mainland Customs and Macao Customs; and all our distinguished guests.
Some of you have travelled long distances to be here today. Thank you very much for coming.
This is a special occasion for the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. The official opening of this modern and eco-friendly headquarters marks a new milestone in the department's history. It also reflects our "green" aspirations for the city.
The department was established as the Preventive Service back in 1909. It began operating with around 25 officers. From modest beginnings, it has matured into one of the most professional, efficient and highly regarded Customs Services in the world.
Throughout its long history, the department has witnessed the incredible growth of Hong Kong. Our city has evolved from a trading outpost, to a manufacturing centre to a major hub for trade, finance and logistics. All along, the department has played a pivotal role in maintaining Hong Kong's image as a clean, vibrant and law-abiding city.
Hong Kong has been rated as the world's freest economy by the US-based Heritage Foundation for each of the past 17 years. We have the busiest international air cargo centre and one of the largest container ports in the world.
These successes are due in no small measure to the dedication and commitment of the department's 5,500 Customs and Trade Control Officers. They work tirelessly to provide timely, reliable and hassle-free customs clearance around the clock for our shippers and forwarders.
The department's responsibilities extend well beyond customs clearance. It undertakes a wide range of duties essential to protect the community and the integrity of our trade system, including border security, intellectual property rights protection, drug prevention, trade control and consumer protection.
On protecting the environment, the department is again on the frontline. Officers are committed to tackling the smuggling of endangered species and the movement of environmentally sensitive goods.
As a major international transport hub, Hong Kong participates actively in the World Customs Organisation. The Hong Kong Customs contributes towards international efforts to promote trade facilitation and supply chain security.
Ladies and gentlemen, placing the department's major operations under one roof, here at the Customs Headquarters Building, will enhance the efficiency, communication and unity of the department.
Its officers will continue to live up to the motto of "Commitment and Excellence". They will be able to take full advantage of this excellent working environment. The advanced operational and training facilities in the Headquarters Building will better equip them for the challenges ahead.
I wish the Customs and Excise Department every success in its new headquarters.
Thank you.
Ends/Monday, February 21, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:25
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