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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the reception for 2009 International Customs Day today (January 19):
Commissioner, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
I am pleased to join you all today to celebrate 2009 International Customs Day.
As a former member of the Customs family, I know well that International Customs Day is a time-honoured tradition for family members of the international customs community to get together to share our achievements. Hong Kong is proud to be part of this close knit fraternity.
The World Customs Organisation has chosen "Customs and the Environment: Protecting our Natural Heritage" as its theme this year. This is a timely reminder for customs authorities around the globe to contribute their efforts to protecting our environment.
Climate change is a global problem, and it requires a global solution. Together governments, individuals and corporations from around the world must act in concert. We owe this to our future generations.
Environmental protection is one of the top priorities for the Hong Kong SAR Government. We have been taking the lead in addressing local and regional environmental concerns in collaboration with other key stakeholders. We have now a dedicated policy bureau, the Environment Bureau, to oversee all environmental protection matters. This highlights our commitment to this cause.
In recent years, we have successfully implemented a variety of measures to reduce pollution and protect our environment. This includes offering a concessionary duty rate for Euro V diesel. We have reduced the First Registration Tax on commercial vehicles meeting the Euro V emission standards to help improve the air quality in Hong Kong. We have encouraged the business community to use eco-friendly machinery and equipment to reduce commercial waste. We have also introduced measures to minimise excessive use of plastic bags and construction materials.
Of course, we are not confining our environmental protection efforts to Hong Kong alone. We have been working closely with the neighbouring Guangdong government, with a view to improving air quality in the Pearl River Delta region.
I am pleased to see that our green measures are gaining support in the community. Publicity and public education play an important part in encouraging our citizens to embrace a green lifestyle.
Environmental protection is not synonymous with higher business costs. The benefits of cutting waste, saving energy and improving resource efficiency are immense. There is huge business potential in developing and promoting low carbon technologies such as solar power and fuel cells. I encourage Hong Kong businesses to seize the opportunities in creating a green economy and investing in innovative low carbon technologies.
Hong Kong Customs has been playing an active part in protecting our natural heritage. We take vigorous enforcement action against environmental crimes. With the assistance of local partner departments and international counterparts, Hong Kong Customs has achieved impressive results in combating smuggling of endangered species and cross-border movement of environmentally sensitive goods. These goods include used batteries, television sets and computer parts.
Ladies and gentlemen, in a moment, I shall present WCO Certificates of Merit to 10 Hong Kong customs officers in recognition of their notable contribution to environmental protection. They have, in their respective work portfolios, contributed to the green cause through, for example, outstanding work on "Project Sky-Hole-Patching", significant seizures of hazardous waste and endangered species, and the effective implementation of the "Electronic System for Cargo Manifest". These officers exemplify Hong Kong Customs' resolve in joining with the international customs community to make our world a better home for all.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Hong Kong Customs. I commend the department on its outstanding achievements over the past century. I also thank all customs colleagues for their hard work and dedication. I am confident that Hong Kong Customs will continue to excel with its professionalism, integrity and innovation to meet the challenges ahead. And I am proud to have been a member of this super department.
Thank you.
Ends/Monday, January 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:15
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