The 26th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chair for the A/P Region (APVC), concluded today (May 22).

     In his concluding remarks, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, recognised the fruitful outcomes gained from the four-day Conference, where participants endorsed various significant regional decisions, including the confirmation of the next-term regional representative positions and composition of the Regional Strategic Plan Working Group. The participants also received updates on the latest developments among A/P members and regional entities. In addition, the Conference featured discussions about an innovative initiative concerning a blockchain-based cross-validation platform, which was led by the APVC and aimed to accelerate logistics and economic development in the region.

     On the first day of the Conference (May 19), Mr Chan met with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders, to discuss multiple issues, including the work of Hong Kong Customs since assuming the role of the Vice-Chair for the A/P Region, and the trends in global Customs development. On May 20 and 21, Mr Chan held individual bilateral meetings with the heads of five Customs administrations in the A/P region, namely the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force, Mr Gavan Reynolds; the Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and President of the Customs Administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr Foroud Asgari; the Commissioner General of the Maldives Customs Service, Ms Fathimath Dhiyana; the Director General of the Singapore Customs, Mr Tan Hung Hooi; and Deputy Chief Executive of New Zealand Customs Service Mr Joe Cannon to strengthen mutual collaboration and explore future development opportunities. The Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, also met with the Iranian authority and chaired the meeting.

     ​This Conference marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong Customs as it almost concludes its first year as the APVC. Over the past year, Hong Kong Customs has proactively organised around 10 impactful events, fostering knowledge sharing, co-operation, and cohesion among A/P members, and demonstrating their commitment to the promotion of regional development. In the future, Hong Kong Customs will continue to lead the members to contribute to the robust development of regional Customs affairs.

Ends/Thursday, May 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:30

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