The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, today (September 17) held a courtesy meeting with the newly appointed Head of Office of the European Union (EU) to Hong Kong, Mr Harvey Rouse, at the Customs Headquarters Building. This was the Mr Rouse's first visit to Hong Kong Customs since assuming his post early this month.
In the meeting, the two reviewed the strong economic and trade connections and the close relationship between the EU and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the ongoing collaborative efforts of Hong Kong Customs and the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union of the European Commission on Customs administrative assistance and enforcement co-operation. Both sides also discussed and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, such as combating cross-boundary drug trafficking, protecting intellectual property rights, and implementing the Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
Ms Ho stressed that Hong Kong Customs has been committed to maintaining close collaboration with international and regional partners to promote trade facilitation and uphold the position of Hong Kong as an international trade centre and logistics hub. While welcoming the visit from the Head of Office of the EU to Hong Kong, Ms Ho expressed her belief that facilitating international trade and safeguarding community safety through customs co-operation benefits both the HKSAR and EU member states, and meets the expectations of the international community stakeholders.
This meeting reinforced the close ties and strengthened the foundation for continued co-operation and joint development between Hong Kong Customs and the Office of the EU to Hong Kong. Hong Kong Customs will maintain close contact with the Office of the EU to Hong Kong. Regarding the Customs enforcement and co-operation items discussed during the meeting, Hong Kong Customs invites the Office of the EU to Hong Kong to communicate with relevant Customs administrations and law enforcement agencies of the EU for follow-up discussions.
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