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Hong Kong demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the global maritime trade system against terrorism by supporting the US Container Security Initiative (CSI).

Representing the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the Commissioner, Mr Raymond Wong Hung-chiu this morning (September 23) signed the Declaration of Principles (DoP) with the Commissioner of the US Customs Service, Mr Robert C. Bonner.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen and US Consul General for Hong Kong and Macau, Mr James Keith.

Mr Raymond Wong Hung-chiu said that Hong Kong has the world's busiest container port and it fully recognises the importance of enhancing the security of the world's maritime trading system through strengthened Customs cooperation at seaports.

Under the DoP, the Hong Kong and US Customs will exchange information and work together closely to facilitate the identification and screening of high-risk containers. The two Customs will also consult closely on the implementation of a CSI pilot scheme in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Customs had taken into account a host of factors such as ocean container security, impact on trade as well as port efficiency and competitiveness in taking this step towards implementing a CSI pilot scheme in Hong Kong. It is expected that participation in the CSI in due course would help ensure the smooth flow of US-bound cargoes.

In the past two months, the Government had held several consultative meetings with various stakeholders including shipping companies, forwarding agents, terminal and mid-stream operators. They were in general supportive of the goals of CSI. At its meeting on August 28, the LOGSCOUNCIL also pledged support to the Initiative.

After the signing of the Declaration, the Hong Kong Customs will proceed to work with the US Customs Service on the details of cooperation. Further consultation with the stakeholders will continue.

"The Government will ensure Hong Kong's overall port efficiency would not be compromised as a result of supporting the CSI," Mr Wong stressed.

End/Monday, September 23, 2002

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