Speech by FS at International Customs Day Reception 2026 (English only) (with photos)
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TT (Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to join you today at the International Customs Day.
It's been six years since I last had the honour of officiating at Hong Kong's International Customs Day ceremony. And while I see, today, both familiar and new faces, one thing has clearly not changed, and that's the remarkable spirit of Hong Kong Customs.
My thanks to TT for outlining the far-reaching set of responsibilities we entrust with Hong Kong Customs, an able and diligent team of some 7 500 professionals. In one way or another, the work of Customs touches nearly every aspect of our daily life. From facilitating travel and trade, thereby connecting Hong Kong with the world, to ensuring national security and safeguarding the well-being of our people, your essential service never stops working for Hong Kong.
Indeed, the role of Customs will become even more important as we experience structural changes in the global trade and economic landscape. Geopolitical shifts, technological transformation and supply-chain realignment are reshaping economic relations, as well as capital and trade flows.
As an open and externally oriented economy, Hong Kong is witnessing these changes firsthand.
We are a major re-export hub for the Chinese Mainland. Last year, our merchandise exports grew strongly, rising by some 15 per cent year-on-year in 2025, despite the tariff measures of the United States (US). Thanks to strong exports to the Global South, particularly Southeast Asia, which was more than compensating the decline in export in the US market. ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)'s share of our exports rose from 8.7 per cent in 2024 to around 10 per cent in 2025, notably in electronics and relevant components. ASEAN is now Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner.
These developments highlight a key trend: diversification.
Manufacturers on the Mainland are broadening their industrial footprint and supply chains across the Global South, while also diversifying their export markets. In the face of significant external challenges, they reacted with speed and agility.
Diversification is also on the top of the mind of governments, businesses and investors around the world. In an environment increasingly shaped by unilateral, hegemonic and unpredictable actions and policies, economies are seeking new partnerships and new markets.
This is where Hong Kong's new opportunities lie.
As economies worldwide recalibrate to build more diversified and resilient economic, trade and supply-chain partnerships, Hong Kong - as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" linking China and the world - stands to benefit.
Under the "one country, two systems" arrangement, we enjoy the best of both worlds. On the one hand, we have convenient and sometimes priority access to the Mainland market. On the other, Hong Kong retains the core attributes of an international financial, shipping and trading hub: a free port and an efficient Customs; the rule of law and the common law system; the free flow of capital, goods and information; a stable and freely convertible currency; and a low and simple tax regime.
As Mainland enterprises expand globally, Hong Kong serves as a trusted platform - whether for raising capital, establishing headquarters, managing supply chains and trade finance, or advancing research and development. The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is actively supporting their global expansion through a dedicated multidisciplinary task force, involving both government bureaux and departments, statutory bodies and chambers of commerce.
And in the Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan, our country will continue to advance high-level, two-way opening up. The "Go Global" initiative will continue to gather momentum, while overseas businesses will find expanding opportunities to access the Chinese Mainland market. Last week, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Vice Premier He Lifeng spoke of accelerating China's development from a "manufacturing powerhouse" to a "consumption powerhouse", and reaffirmed the country's commitment to welcoming more foreign goods, services and investments.
As China's southern gateway, Hong Kong will play an even more important role in facilitating the flow of foreign goods and investment into our country.
So, too, will Hong Kong Customs. For decades, the Hong Kong Customs has excelled in law enforcement and trade facilitation. But in a world marked by rapidly evolving trade patterns and the swift advancement of frontier technologies, it must continue to evolve.
New challenges are emerging. Digitalisation and e-commerce are transforming trade and logistics. At the same time, it is increasingly important for Hong Kong Customs to combat smuggling, fraud and money-laundering activities that exploit new technologies. Advancing Smart Customs will strengthen law enforcement, enabling more precise risk identification and interception, while allowing compliant traders and travellers to move quickly and smoothly. I understand that Hong Kong Customs will organise a Regional Conference on Smart Customs in March, providing an important platform for knowledge and experience sharing with international partners.
International co-operation is important. Customs authorities worldwide face shared threats and responsibilities. This underscores the value of continued law-enforcement collaboration, the exchange of best practices, and a collective commitment to excellence. In this regard, I note that Hong Kong Customs is serving as Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific Region of the World Customs Organization from 2024 to 2026, highlighting Hong Kong's leadership in and contributions to the global customs community.
Given your professionalism and dedication, I am confident that Hong Kong Customs will continue to serve with commitment and excellence - helping Hong Kong meet the challenges of tomorrow and seize new opportunities.
In a moment, I will present Certificates of Merit on behalf of the World Customs Organization to officers and business partners who have made exceptional contributions. Please join me in congratulating them and thanking them for their exemplary service.
Ladies and gentlemen, with the Year of the Horse fast approaching, I wish you and your families good health, happiness and prosperity in the year ahead.
Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:35
Issued at HKT 19:35
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