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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Roy Tang, officiated at a cocktail reception today (January 25) to celebrate the 2016 International Customs Day (ICD).
Echoing the World Customs Organization (WCO) theme of "Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement" this year, Mr So said that information and communications technology is important in spurring economic growth and development. He noted that Hong Kong Customs has continuously applied information technology for refining its services and achieving global connectivity.
He further praised Hong Kong Customs for its endeavours in improving efficiency and its contributions in strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international trading and logistics hub.
At the ceremony, Mr Tang said Hong Kong Customs has extensively applied advanced technology in clearance and enforcement systems for simplifying clearance procedures and combating crime. In addition, Hong Kong Customs is dedicated to providing e-customer services to allow greater transparency and predictability on Customs procedures.
This is the 28th year that Hong Kong Customs has celebrated the ICD since Hong Kong became a member of the WCO in 1987. At the reception, Mr So presented WCO Certificates of Merit to officers of Hong Kong Customs who had made significant contributions towards realising digital Customs.
About 350 guests, including Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, government officials, Consuls General, foreign Customs attaches and representatives from Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macau, as well as private sector stakeholders, attended the reception.
Ends/Monday, January 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:03
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