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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the 2016 International Customs Day celebration today (January 25):
Commissioner, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to join you all to celebrate the 2016 International Customs Day.
On this very important occasion for the Customs, let me first say this: You all have made a difference and contributed significantly to our success. Why? Let's look at where we are today. Hong Kong is a dynamic city with vibrant activities in trade, finance, business, tourism and communications. For decades, we have been rated as the world's freest economy as well as one of the most business-friendly cities.
These remarkable results are due to our world-class infrastructure; strong fiscal discipline; low taxes; open market; free flow of information, goods and capital; clean government; and a level playing field for businesses. It is also due to our efficient and business-friendly Customs service. Our Customs staff work tirelessly round the clock to provide a timely and reliable clearance service and to carry out rigorous enforcement actions. So, a big thanks to our Customs colleagues, for your dedication in maintaining the continued success and competitiveness of Hong Kong.
This year, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has chosen "Digital Customs" as its theme. In my view, the theme could not have come at a more opportune moment.
Advances in digital technology are fast changing the way that we live and do business. Online shopping, for example, has never been easier. Just look at Alibaba, Amazon, eBay, and the like. They are disrupting the conventional ways of distributing and selling goods. Look at Facebook and Twitter, these social media tools have changed forever the way we manage our relationships with people.
Our world is ever more interconnected and interdependent through cross-border flow of passengers, goods and information. Alongside, this has created new threats and challenges for Customs agencies.
As the policy secretary looking after the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights in Hong Kong, I am particularly mindful of the effectiveness of our Customs in fighting transnational organised IP crime in this digital age. I am sure you are aware of the ongoing debate of the Copyright Amendment Bill in LegCo. The purpose of the Bill is to protect copyright in the digital environment. We need to pass this Bill so as to foster the development of our creative industry.
The Bill has been worked on for a long time. My colleagues and I have been engaging, quite proactively, various stakeholders. The final product that we have on the table is actually a balancing act. The Bill balances the rights of copyright owners and the netizens. It is important that we take stock of what we have and take forward this balanced package. It will be such a waste if the Bill cannot be passed due to the ongoing filibustering.
To help our chance of passing the Bill, I need you all to speak out. I urge you to call or write to the pan-democratic LegCo members who are stalling the legislative process. Ask them to come back to the Chamber to do their jobs, which is to debate. It is an irresponsible act to achieve political gain by drowning a Bill that is clearly in the best interest of Hong Kong. A robust IP system, our updated copyright law a part thereof, is essential to give rise to effective customs enforcement.
Of course, the challenges that we face today are not limited to IP protection. A more efficient response, or better facilitation, is also an area that our Customs has been working on. I understand that our Customs has implemented different facilitation measures, including the Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme and the Authorized Economic Operator Programme, etc. One specific example is the facilitation measure for wine entering the Mainland through Hong Kong. We have developed a web-based system that enables data sharing between the Mainland and Hong Kong Customs officials. The new system greatly expedites the declaration and clearance process of wine consignments.
Looking ahead, we will continue to upgrade our world-class logistics service and business network. In fact, my bureau is co-ordinating with different government departments to develop a full-fledged Single Window system for trade. Through this dedicated electronic platform, only a single submission is required to fulfil all import, export and transit-related regulatory requirements in Hong Kong. The Single Window system not only facilitates customs clearance, but also paves the way for the future connectivity with other Single Window systems in the region. This is especially important as the Belt and Road Initiative is taking shape. We need to equip ourselves to take advantage of the enormous Belt and Road opportunities.
Ladies and gentlemen, in a moment I will present, on behalf of the WCO, Certificates of Merit to Customs officers who have given their commitment and made remarkable contributions towards the theme of this year. Please join me in applauding these officers for furthering the success and prosperity of Hong Kong.
As the Chinese New Year of the Monkey is near, may I wish you all a happy and energetic year, and for those of you coming from abroad, a very pleasant stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.
Ends/Monday, January 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:33
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