The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, visited the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (June 20) to learn more about the department's work in respect of maritime enforcement and import and export clearance. She also toured the Customs Marine Base (CMB) on Stonecutters Island and the Kwai Chung Customhouse (KCCH), and exchanged views with the department's management and frontline staff to learn about the latest developments of the department and the work of its staff.
Mrs Yeung and the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Leung, first arrived at the CMB and met with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, and directorate staff, and received a briefing from them on the department's latest developments, law enforcement work and measures to facilitate trade and clearance. Mrs Yeung was pleased to learn that the C&ED would introduce to colleagues the content of the updated Civil Service Code which was promulgated not long ago to explain the core values of civil servants.
Mrs Yeung then toured the CMB and boarded a high-speed pursuit craft and a sector patrol launch, where she was briefed by staff of the Marine Enforcement Group on their marine patrol and law enforcement work, as well as on the facilities on board. She also chatted with the frontline staff to learn about the challenges they encounter in their patrol and anti-smuggling operations. She thanked them for remaining steadfast in carrying out their duties for long hours amidst rough seas during inclement weather, and for doing their utmost to combat smuggling activities around the clock and enforcing the law with dedication.
She then paid a site visit to the Cargo Examination Compound of the KCCH to learn more about the clearance and examination work for sea cargoes. She viewed a demonstration of a cargo inspection by staff members of the Ports and Maritime Command using the latest examination equipment to help ensure that no prohibited and controlled items enter Hong Kong.
Mrs Yeung said, "With their concerted efforts, the C&ED colleagues have repeatedly shut down various forms of drug trafficking and smuggling activities. In the face of the ever-changing smuggling trends, every colleague should keep abreast of the times, take a step forward to guard for the public good, and continue to serve the public with dedication and professionalism."
Before concluding her visit, Mrs Yeung met with staff representatives from various grades in the department to exchange views on matters that concern them.
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