Hong Kong Customs held a reception for the International Customs Day（ICD）2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27 January. The reception was officiated by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat.
The World Customs Organization（WCO）set the theme of this year's ICD as “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”. Over 300 guests, including Government officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, representatives of various offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Customs administrations of the Chinese Mainland and Macao, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.
Speaking at the reception, Mr Paul Chan, commended Hong Kong Customs for its far-reaching responsibilities and essential service, from facilitating travel and trade and connecting Hong Kong with the world, to law enforcement and safeguarding the well-being of the public. He said that, amid structural changes in the global trade and economic landscape driven by geopolitical shifts, technological transformation and supply-chain realignment, Hong Kong, as the country's southern gateway, and as a“super connector”and“super value-adder”, stands to benefit. But it will also face challenges.
Mr Chan added that, under the new circumstances, Hong Kong Customs must continue to evolve. Empowering law enforcement with technologies and strengthening collaboration with Mainland and overseas partners are important for Hong Kong Customs to make greater contributions to international customs co-operation.
In his speech, the Commissioner highlighted the profound and transformative impacts brought by artificial intelligence on daily life, and that Hong Kong Customs has actively applied innovative technologies to enhance trade facilitation and boundary security to foster economic development and safeguard social stability. He also expressed appreciation to colleagues for their commitment to strive for excellence in law enforcement to enhance public well-being. He stressed that Hong Kong Customs will stay committed to being a modern, efficient, and forward-looking law enforcement agency.
■Hong Kong Customs held a reception for the International Customs Day 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27 January. Photo shows the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan（left）, and the Commissioner（right）entering the venue.
■The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan（third left）, and the Commissioner（second left）propose a toast with other guests at the reception.
■The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan presented the World Customs Organization Certificates of Merit to Hong Kong Customs’ officers and a business counterpart at the ceremony. Photo shows Mr Paul Chan（front row, centre）, the Commissioner（front row,fourth left）, and the awardees at the reception.
