Officiated by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, a reception for International Customs Day (ICD) 2026 was held by Hong Kong Customs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (January 27).

     The World Customs Organization (WCO) set the theme of this year's ICD as "Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment", highlighting Customs' staunch dedication and unwavering efforts in law enforcement to safeguard national security and foster social prosperity.

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, commended Hong Kong Customs for its far-reaching responsibilities and essential service, from facilitating travel and trade and connecting Hong Kong with the world, to law enforcement and safeguarding the well-being of the public. He said that, amid structural changes in the global trade and economic landscape driven by geopolitical shifts, technological transformation and supply-chain realignment, Hong Kong, as the country's southern gateway, and as a "super connector" and "super value-adder",  stands to benefit. But it will also face new challenges.
      
     Mr Chan noted that, under the new circumstances, Hong Kong Customs must continue to evolve. Empowering law enforcement with technologies and strengthening collaboration with Mainland and overseas partners are important.  He looked to Hong Kong Customs to make greater contributions to international customs co-operation.

     In his speech, Mr Chan Tsz-tat highlighted the profound and transformative impacts brought by artificial intelligence on daily life, and that Hong Kong Customs has actively applied innovative technologies to enhance trade facilitation and boundary security to foster economic development and safeguard social stability. He also expressed appreciation to colleagues for their commitment to strive for excellence in law enforcement to enhance public well-being. He stressed that Hong Kong Customs will stay committed to be a modern, efficient, and forward-looking law enforcement agency.

     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 reception, Mr Paul Chan presented WCO Certificates of Merit to Hong Kong Customs' officers and a business stakeholder 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 Chinese Mainland and Macao, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.

Ends/Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Issued at HKT 22:32

NNNN