Hong Kong Customs celebrates 2020 International Customs Day (with photos)
***************************************************************

     Officiated by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Hermes Tang, a reception in celebrating the 2020 International Customs Day (ICD) was held by Hong Kong Customs at the Customs Headquarters Building today (January 20).

     This year, the World Customs Organization (WCO) devotes ICD to the theme of "Customs fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet", which aims at ensuring a sustainable future where social, economic and environmental elements are at the centre of Customs actions.

     Officiating at the reception, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong Customs is making considerable contributions to combat illegal activities and to provide a safe and stable environment for the people of Hong Kong. Without Customs’ collective efforts, illegal drugs, endangered species, counterfeit products and other illicit goods would seriously damage our community. Hong Kong Customs also plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade and promoting our economy.

     In his remarks, Mr Tang elaborated the close relationship between Hong Kong Customs' work and the theme of this year's ICD along three concepts: "People", "Prosperity" and "Planet". The work includes people-oriented enforcement and crime prevention operations, trade facilitation measures to bring prosperity, and anti-smuggling of endangered species to conserve the earth. 

     He expressed that the three concepts are in line with the notion of "community with a shared future for mankind" while the Belt and Road Initiative serves as a platform to build the community.  

     Hong Kong Customs has celebrated the ICD since Hong Kong became a member of the WCO in 1987. At the reception, Mr Chan presented WCO Certificates of Merit to officers of Hong Kong Customs and private stakeholders in recognition of their remarkable efforts contributing to sustainable development.

     About 350 guests, including Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, HKSAR Government officials, Consuls General, foreign Customs attachés, representatives from Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.

Ends/Monday, January 20, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:22

NNNN