Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region (APVC), hosted the 26th WCO A/P Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference between 19 and 22 May. The Conference is the highest-level meeting held annually in the A/P region, which has gathered more than 120 heads of Customs organisations and senior officials from the region, along with delegates from the WCO's regional entities.
The Conference yielded fruitful outcomes, including the endorsement of significant regional decisions, such as the confirmation of the regional representative positions for the upcoming term. Notably, Hong Kong Customs will serve as one of the A/P representatives in the Audit Committee to assist in examining the policies and procedures of the WCO. In addition, the Conference featured discussions about an innovative initiative concerning a blockchain-based cross-validation platform, which was led by the APVC and aimed to accelerate logistics and economic development in the region. This Conference also marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong Customs as we almost conclude our first year as the APVC.
■The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (centre), presides over the Conference.
■Hong Kong Customs hosted the 26th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference between 19 and 22 May. Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (front row, eighth right), the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders (front row, ninth right), other attending Hong Kong Customs officers and representatives of the A/P members and regional entities.
■The Commissioner delivers his concluding remarks at the Conference.
