Hong Kong and US Customs officers will conduct a series of joint factory observation visits in Hong Kong starting from April 15.
The Head of Trade Controls of the Customs and Excise Department, Mr Andrew Wong Ching-wai, said today (March 23), "This is the 13th round of joint factory visits since 1996 and the trade should be familiar with the operation by now.
"The joint visits are part of our enhanced co-operation with the US to combat illegal transshipment of textiles and clothing products.
"This will keep the US up to date with our textiles export control arrangements. It is believed that a better understanding among the US officers of our efforts will help enhance mutual co-operation and effectiveness in combating illegal textiles transshipment," Mr Wong said.
The joint visit teams, comprising both Hong Kong and US Customs officers, will only visit those textile factories which have given their prior consent.
"Joint visit team members will not undertake any enforcement activities during the visits. If necessary, any enforcement activities will be undertaken by the Hong Kong Customs officers independently and separately from the visits," Mr Wong said.
The visits will last about three weeks. Detailed arrangements about the visits have been announced by the Trade and Industry Department separately through a Notice to Exporters cum Certificate of Origin Circular.
Ends/Tuesday, March 23, 2004