SCED to attend ASEAN Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China Consultation meeting in Laos
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Vientiane, Laos, tomorrow (September 19) to attend the eighth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China (HKC) Consultation meeting to be held on September 20.
Mr Yau and the participating economic ministers of ASEAN member states will discuss the implementation of the ASEAN-HKC Free Trade Agreement and the Investment Agreement, and exchange views on other issues such as the latest regional and global economic development. On the sidelines of the meeting, he will hold bilateral meetings with ASEAN officials to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
After the ASEAN Economic Ministers - HKC Consultation meeting, Mr Yau will visit Singapore from September 22 to 24 to meet withsenior officials and representatives from major business chambers to have exchanges on economic and trade co-operation issues.
Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on September 24. During his absence, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, will take up the post of the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development on September 19 and 20 concurrently, while the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development from September 21 to 24.
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025
Officiated by Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Pan Yundong and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, a reception in celebration of International Customs Day (ICD) 2025 was held by Hong Kong Customs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (January 21).
The World Customs Organization (WCO) set the theme of this year's ICD as "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity", highlighting the crucial and diverse roles of Customs in streamlining customs clearance procedures, safeguarding society safety, and fostering economic growth.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered a pre-recorded speech to express his appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Hong Kong Customs in shaping Hong Kong into a world city and trade hub. He emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He expressed his confidence that Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote international co-operation and enhance Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the world.
In his speech, Mr Chan elaborated on the diverse responsibilities of Hong Kong Customs in streamlining clearance procedures, facilitating trade and ensuring the well-being and safety of society. He also highlighted the significance of Hong Kong Customs' role as the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific region of the WCO, underscoring Hong Kong's proactive and leading role in global customs affairs. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong Customs would continue to tell good stories of Hong Kong to a worldwide audience, and will remain committed to contributing to the overall development of the country and the Chinese modernisation process.
Hong Kong Customs became a member of the WCO in 1987, and ICD has become an annual event of Hong Kong Customs ever since. At the celebration reception, Mr Pan presented WCO Certificates of Merit to Hong Kong Customs' officers and business stakeholders in recognition of their remarkable contributions to various customs affairs pertinent to the theme of ICD.
Over 300 guests, including officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, representatives of various offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases