*******************************************************
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner, Mr Robert Bonner, today (August 1) visited the Kwai Chung Customhouse to see for himself the implementation of Container Security Initiative (CSI) Pilot Scheme in Hong Kong.
Taking the opportunity, Mr Bonner paid courtesy visits to the Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Commerce and Industry), Miss Denise Yue; and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Raymond Wong Hung-chiu, respectively yesterday (July 31). They had discussion on issues of mutual interest.
Accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Customs Ports and Maritime Command (PMC), Mr Wong Ching-lim, Mr Bonner toured the Kwai Chung Customhouse. He was also briefed about the implementation of CSI Pilot Scheme and the organisation and function of the PMC.
Following the signing of the Declaration of Principles of CSI on September 23, 2002, Hong Kong Customs and the U.S. CBP jointly started implementing the CSI Pilot Scheme on May 12, 2003. After three months' co-operation, the two administrations have secured a close working relationship.
Mr Bonner was pleased to learn the scheme was running smoothly.
A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said, "Being the busiest container port in the world and the top exporter of containerised cargo to the U.S., Hong Kong can enhance the security of the global maritime trading system and ensure the smooth flow of U.S.-bound cargo from Hong Kong through its participation in the CSI."
Ends/Friday, August 1, 2003
Issued at HKT 15:04
NNNN
