Hong Kong Customs today (July 24) held the Certificate of Appointment Presentation Ceremony of World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Private Sector Group (RPSG) - Asia Pacific (AP) at the Customs Headquarters Building. The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, in the capacity of WCO Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, officiated at the ceremony and presented appointment certificates to six members from various sectors in Hong Kong.

     The WCO RPSG - AP was established in 2021 as a consultative platform within the A/P region of the WCO to provide advice on customs affairs and international trade matters from the perspective of the private sector. The Group consists of 30 members and will serve for a three-year term. The second term commenced on July 1 this year, with 30 members coming from different sectors, including manufacturing, import and export and logistics, e-commerce and natural resources, in 13 countries or economies. This is the first time that Hong Kong enterprises and institutions have joined the WCO RPSG - AP.

     Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ms Ho said that one of the fundamental roles of customs authorities is to connect and collaborate with customs organisations globally. She firmly believes that the success of this endeavour depends on the efforts to strengthen relationships with private industries, which are essential to address challenges brought by complex global situations. She expressed deep gratitude to the six newly joined Hong Kong enterprises and institutions, which come from different sectors, including logistic and business associations, e-commerce platforms, high-end electronic devices and information technology, metal resources, and health supplements. She believed that their participation could foster closer co-operation between customs authorities and the private sector, and create a more robust partnership between Hong Kong enterprises and other A/P economies. By assisting more local companies to "go global", further economic and international trade opportunities will be uncovered across A/P and international markets.

Ends/Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Issued at HKT 19:51

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