The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Customs and Excise Department today (October 16) to meet with its management and front-line staff to better understand the department's work and challenges confronting them.
 
     Mr Law first met with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Hermes Tang, and the directorate staff to get an update on the department's work on both law enforcement and trade facilitation.
 
     Mr Law then visited the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau and was briefed on how Customs colleagues have combated unfair trade practices since the enactment of the amended Trade Descriptions Ordinance. He said he was pleased to learn that the department has adopted a three-pronged approach in its implementation of the Ordinance. Other than carrying out law enforcement, the department is also committed to promoting compliance among traders and carrying out public education for protection of consumer rights.
 
     Mr Law also toured the Customs Drug Investigation Bureau (CDIB) and was briefed on the CDIB's efforts against different levels of drug trafficking activities including syndicated drug trafficking and street peddling. He also learnt that the CDIB maintains close co-operation and exchange of intelligence with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking.
 
     Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concern them. He praised colleagues for their hard work, and encouraged them to continue to serve the public with dedication and professionalism.

Ends/Monday, October 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:23

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