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Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce concludes (with photos)
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     Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat, hosted the Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce starting April 15 for three consecutive days. The Conference concluded today (April 17).
      
     This marks the first time for Hong Kong Customs to organise a large-scale A/P regional conference focusing on e-commerce, bringing together more than 200 representatives from the WCO, A/P Customs administrations, ASEAN members, and international and local industries. This Conference was also supported by the Economic and Technical Co-operation Work Programme under the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement. 
      
     The event commenced with a ceremony officiated by the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat; and the Head of Trade Facilitation Division of ASEAN Secretariat, Mr Cuong Ba Tran.

     Speaking at the commencement ceremony, Dr Chan highlighted that e-commerce is rapidly expanding across the globe, and Hong Kong is at the forefront to connect with global markets, in particular with ASEAN and other close partners in the A/P region. Noting that it is imperative for policymakers to closely collaborate with stakeholders to create a conducive environment for the healthy growth of e-commerce, he said that the Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into a cross-boundary e-commerce logistics and distribution centre, focusing on enhancing the efficiency of cross-boundary goods distribution and improving infrastructure connectivity, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's competitiveness to position Hong Kong as a leading hub for e-commerce.

     Mr Chan, serving as the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region, said in his welcoming remarks that the purpose of the Conference is to strengthen partnerships within the e-commerce ecosystem and to explore and promote the future developments of e-commerce in the A/P region. He emphasised that simplifying Customs clearance procedures and expediting cargo flow are crucial to enhancing trade facilitation and improving the efficiency of customs operations. At the same time, maintaining a balance between trade efficiency and law enforcement effectiveness is essential to safeguarding the security and stability of cross-boundary trade.  

     The Conference covered a series of presentations and panel discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities present in e-commerce. Optimal results were yielded as the participants shared experiences and best practices to foster sustainable economic growth regionally and beyond. During today's closing, a Joint Statement reaffirming the commitment to strengthening mutual collaboration between Customs administrations and e-commerce stakeholders to foster the growth and development of e-commerce across the A/P region was also issued.
 
Ends/Thursday, April 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:52
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The Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce held by Hong Kong Customs and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat concluded today (April 17). Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, delivering his welcoming remarks at the Conference on April 15.
The Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce held by Hong Kong Customs and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat concluded today (April 17). Photo shows the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, delivering his opening remarks at the Conference on April 15.
The Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce held by Hong Kong Customs and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat concluded today (April 17). Photo shows the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan (first row, eighth right); the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (first row, ninth right); the Head of Trade Facilitation Division of ASEAN Secretariat, Mr Cuong Ba Tran (first row, ninth left); the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (first row, third right); the Assistant Commissioner (Boundary and Ports), Ms Wong Wai-chuen (first row, third left), and other representatives from different sectors.
The Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce held by Hong Kong Customs and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat concluded today (April 17). The Conference gathered over 200 representatives from the World Customs Organization, Asia/Pacific Customs administrations, ASEAN members, international and local industries.
The Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce held by Hong Kong Customs and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat concluded today (April 17). Photo shows representatives of different sectors attending a panel discussion session.
The Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce held by Hong Kong Customs and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat concluded today (April 17). A Joint Statement reaffirming the commitment to strengthening mutual collaboration between Customs administrations and e-commerce stakeholders to foster the growth and development of e-commerce across the Asia/Pacific region was also issued. Photo shows the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei, leading a discussion about the Joint Statement.