Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 (with photos)

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     Officiated by Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Pan Yundong and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, a reception in celebration of International Customs Day (ICD) 2025 was held by Hong Kong Customs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (January 21).

     The World Customs Organization (WCO) set the theme of this year's ICD as "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity", highlighting the crucial and diverse roles of Customs in streamlining customs clearance procedures, safeguarding society safety, and fostering economic growth.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered a pre-recorded speech to express his appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Hong Kong Customs in shaping Hong Kong into a world city and trade hub. He emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He expressed his confidence that Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote international co-operation and enhance Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the world.

     In his speech, Mr Chan elaborated on the diverse responsibilities of Hong Kong Customs in streamlining clearance procedures, facilitating trade and ensuring the well-being and safety of society. He also highlighted the significance of Hong Kong Customs' role as the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific region of the WCO, underscoring Hong Kong's proactive and leading role in global customs affairs. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong Customs would continue to tell good stories of Hong Kong to a worldwide audience, and will remain committed to contributing to the overall development of the country and the Chinese modernisation process.

     Hong Kong Customs became a member of the WCO in 1987, and ICD has become an annual event of Hong Kong Customs ever since. At the celebration reception, Mr Pan presented WCO Certificates of Merit to Hong Kong Customs' officers and business stakeholders in recognition of their remarkable contributions to various customs affairs pertinent to the theme of ICD.

     Over 300 guests, including officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, representatives of various offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.

Ends/Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 23:22

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Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Pan Yundong (eighth left), and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (centre), proposed a toast at a reception in celebration of International Customs Day 2025 today (January 21). Joining them are the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung (eighth right); the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Mr Andrew Lai (seventh left); the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Maggie Wong (seventh right); the Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Commercial Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Zhou Qiang (sixth left); the Deputy Director-General of the Police Liaison Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Xie Wei (sixth right); the Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Senior Colonel Qi Xiaochun (fifth left); the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Adriano Marques Ho (fifth right); the Division Chief of the liaison office of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Hua (fourth left) and directorates of the Hong Kong Customs.

Hong Kong Customs today (January 21) held a reception in celebration of International Customs Day 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Photo shows the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, giving a pre-recorded congratulatory speech at the celebration reception.