The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (December 9) commended Hong Kong Customs for its good discipline and quality services at the passing-out parade at the Customs and Excise Training School.
Mr Tsang said that since the establishment of the Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong had successfully implemented the "One Country, Two Systems" policy by continuing to operate effectively as a separate customs territory and maintaining the existing systems of customs duties, trade and customs clearance. "Customs plays an important role in this respect," Mr Tsang said.
"Besides the daily clearance duties at various busy control points and suppression of smuggling activities, Customs officers are always conducting operations to combat illicit oil-detreating workshops and illegal cigarette peddling to protect Hong Kong' source of revenue.
"Customs is also committed to protecting consumers' rights and intellectual property rights. For example, the department recently launched the 'Jewellery Integrity Campaign' with the jewellery industry to reinforce Hong Kong's image as a 'Shopping Paradise for Genuine Goods' and to boost travellers' confidence in shopping in Hong Kong," he said.
Mr Tsang added that Customs' raid operations had led to a significant drop in retail piracy.
"This year, the department uncovered a case of peer-to-peer network infringement -- the first such case in the world -- and the offender was successfully prosecuted," he said. "This shows Hong Kong's determination and effectiveness in protecting intellectual property rights.
"Apart from the enforcement operations carried out within Hong Kong's territory, Customs co-operates with the law enforcement authorities in other customs territories to curb cross-border drug-trafficking syndicates and to bring the offenders to justice.
"Customs has also developed trade facilitation strategies by shortening the clearance time for cross-boundary cargo, for example, the provision of a one-stop clearance service at the soon-to-be-completed Shenzhen Bay Control Point, as well as examining the feasibility of establishing logistics pipelines connecting Guangdong and Hong Kong with Shenzhen Customs to tie in with the service requirements of the 'Pan-Pearl River Delta' region," he said.
Mr Tsang noted that the public had high expectations of the Government regarding effective administration. "In view of this, departments must continually innovate and keep abreast of the times," he said. "I hope that all Customs officers will demonstrate persistence and make good use of our resources in providing quality and highly efficient services to the public. I also hope that the officers strike the ultimate balance between law enforcement and trade facilitation." While encouraging the passing-out officers to carry out their duties with enthusiasm and initiative, Mr Tsang said he hoped they would take pride in their work as members of the Customs and Excise Service.
Also attending the ceremony was the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Timothy Tong.
The Deputy Minister of General Administration of Customs of the PRC, Mr Sheng Guangzu, and the Director General of the Shenzhen Customs District of the PRC, Mr Zou Zhiwu, also joined the ceremony.
A total of 123 Customs Officers who had completed 20 weeks of highly demanding training participated in the passing-out ceremony.
Among them, six top recruits were awarded Whistles of Honour by the Chief Executive.
Ends/Friday, December 9, 2005