Hong Kong Customs officially assumes post of Vice-Chairperson for Asia/Pacific Region (2024-26) of WCO (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs, in the name of Hong Kong, China, was elected yesterday (June 29) as the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) region of the World Customs Organization (WCO) (2024-26).

     The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, from June 27 to 29 led a delegation to attend the 143rd/144th Customs Co-operation Council Sessions of the WCO in Brussels. Upon election, she said it was an honour for Hong Kong Customs to take on this important role in leading the development of the A/P region. This is the second time since 2000 that Hong Kong, China has served as Vice-Chairman for the A/P region of the WCO, which is even more significant. The global economy has undergone tremendous changes over the past two decades, and the A/P region has become the region with the highest growth potential in the world in the 21st century. The role of Hong Kong Customs in representing the A/P region in the WCO is in line with the interests of the country and Hong Kong, both in terms of national strategy and Hong Kong's development opportunities. It is strategically significant for Hong Kong Customs to take the lead in promoting co-operation with the A/P region, which is conducive to promoting Hong Kong's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthening the collaboration among the country, Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. By playing this pivotal role, Hong Kong Customs hopes to safeguard multilateralism, promote international co-operation and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region, thereby contributing to the development of the country and Hong Kong.

     During the handover ceremony, Ms Ho commended Australia, the outgoing Vice-Chairperson A/P, for their outstanding work and remarkable achievements over the past two years. She expressed gratitude to all A/P members for their unanimous support and vote of confidence in Hong Kong Customs to take up this important position. Ms Ho affirmed that Hong Kong Customs would strive to strengthen co-operation among regional members and co-ordinate diversified activities according to the region's development needs.

     In between the Council sessions, Ms Ho met with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders, and briefed him on the preparations for Hong Kong Customs' assumption of the vice-chairmanship, stressing that full preparations and deployment had been made for the work in the next two years. She also held a bilateral meeting with the Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of Saudi Arabia, Mr Suhail bin Muhammad Abanmi, to enhance mutual communication. Furthermore, Ms Ho actively engaged in dialogue exchange with heads of Customs administrations worldwide, including the Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security of the United Arab Emirates, Mr Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi; the Commissioner General of the Maldives Customs Service, Mr Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed; the Director General of the Singapore Customs, Mr Tan Hung Hooi; the Commissioner of Bureau of Customs of the Republic of the Philippines, Mr Bienvenido Y Rubio; and the Director General of the Thai Customs Department, Mr Theeraj Athanavanich. They discussed the Customs Co-operative Arrangement, the Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement and co-operation in other aspects of Customs.

     During the visit, Ms Ho and the delegation visited the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels.