The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the Passing-out Parade for the 133rd-135th Customs Inspector Induction Courses and the 483rd-487th Customs Officer Induction Courses at the Hong Kong Customs College today (March 24) to inspect 43 Probationary Customs Inspectors and 79 Probationary Customs Officers on parade. Among the passing-out officers today, three were members of the Customs Youth Leader Corps. The graduated Customs Inspectors, who will be the first batch to take the Inspector Induction Course: National and Mainland Customs Operations Studies, will embark on their trip to the Shanghai Customs College on March 26.

     The Guard of Honour first assembled to form a sword and a key, symbolising Hong Kong Customs during the foot drill performance, then all passing-out officers assembled to form the "five stars" and a bauhinia flower symbolising China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) respectively. This arrangement symbolised the passing-out officers bearing allegiance to the HKSAR and Hong Kong's role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the world under the principle of "one country, two systems", as well as the essential role of telling the world the good stories of China and Hong Kong.

     In his speech, Mr Lee praised Hong Kong Customs for flexibly deploying resources to provide effective and convenient customs clearance services during the COVID-19 pandemic and full resumption of operations at boundary control points. He also recognised and appreciated the effectiveness of work by Customs in various aspects, including consumer protection, intellectual property rights protection, and combating drug trafficking and smuggling activities. 

     He mentioned that the National 14th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong to enhance its role as an international maritime centre and international aviation hub. Hong Kong plays a key role in the logistics chain of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and will continue to leverage its advantages as an international logistics hub to enhance its international competitiveness. Customs has been an important force in Hong Kong's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and has also played an essential role in promoting Hong Kong's integration into national development. The mutual recognition arrangement on the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator Programme has facilitated Hong Kong enterprises to "go global" and tap into international markets.

     Mr Lee encouraged the passing-out officers to carry forward the goal of strengthening the connection to the country and the world to build a safe and efficient economic and trade environment, commit to providing quality services and the building of a strong China.

     Consuls-General and foreign Customs attachés were invited to the Passing-out Parade, highlighting Hong Kong Customs' efforts in maintaining ties with customs administrations of other countries and regions to strengthen connection between Hong Kong and other law enforcement agencies to promote international co-operation, enhance the effectiveness in regional law enforcement, and jointly build a secure environment for economy and trade.

Ends/Friday, March 24, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:45

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