The Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen, and the Comptroller of New Zealand Customs Service, Mr Martyn Dunne, signed a joint communiqué for closer co-operation in a biennial meeting between the two administrations in Hong Kong today (April 10).

Under the communiqué, both sides have agreed to continue with the "Immediate Notification Mechanism" for prompt exchange of intelligence to combat transnational customs offences, including drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling and piracy activities; to enhance co-operation in intelligence analysis and risk management; and to organise training and reciprocal visits.

Commenting on the close relationship between Hong Kong and New Zealand Customs, Mr Yuen said, "New Zealand Customs is the first signatory party of Customs Co-operative Arrangement with Hong Kong Customs. The arrangement dated back to 1991.¡¨

¡§The two administrations have been maintaining effective co-cooperation for years. At today¡¦s meeting, we agreed to strengthen exchange of knowledge and expertise particularly in the area of intelligence and risk analysis," Mr Yuen said.

Mr Dunne is leading a four-member delegation to attend the 6th Customs Co-operation Conference in Hong Kong. After the meeting, the delegation visited the Customs Marine Base at Stonecutters Island.

The delegates will leave Hong Kong tomorrow (April 11).

The Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen (left), and the Comptroller of New Zealand Customs Service, Mr Martyn Dunne, sign a joint communiqué for closer co-operation in a biennial meeting between the two administrations in Hong Kong.

The Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen (left), and the Comptroller of New Zealand Customs Service, Mr Martyn Dunne, exchange the joint communiqué for closer co-operation at a meeting in Hong Kong.

Ends/Thursday, April 10, 2008