Hong Kong Hosts E-commerce Conference, Uniting 200+ Leaders to Simplify Procedures and Enhance Trade Collaboration

Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce concludes

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat, hosted the Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce starting April 15 for three consecutive days. The Conference concluded today (April 17).

This marks the first time for Hong Kong Customs to organise a large-scale A/P regional conference focusing on e-commerce, bringing together more than 200 representatives from the WCO, A/P Customs administrations, ASEAN members, and international and local industries. This Conference was also supported by the Economic and Technical Co-operation Work Programme under the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement.

The event commenced with a ceremony officiated by the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat; and the Head of Trade Facilitation Division of ASEAN Secretariat, Mr Cuong Ba Tran.

Speaking at the commencement ceremony, Dr Chan highlighted that e-commerce is rapidly expanding across the globe, and Hong Kong is at the forefront to connect with global markets, in particular with ASEAN and other close partners in the A/P region. Noting that it is imperative for policymakers to closely collaborate with stakeholders to create a conducive environment for the healthy growth of e-commerce, he said that the Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into a cross-boundary e-commerce logistics and distribution centre, focusing on enhancing the efficiency of cross-boundary goods distribution and improving infrastructure connectivity, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's competitiveness to position Hong Kong as a leading hub for e-commerce.

Mr Chan, serving as the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region, said in his welcoming remarks that the purpose of the Conference is to strengthen partnerships within the e-commerce ecosystem and to explore and promote the future developments of e-commerce in the A/P region. He emphasised that simplifying Customs clearance procedures and expediting cargo flow are crucial to enhancing trade facilitation and improving the efficiency of customs operations. At the same time, maintaining a balance between trade efficiency and law enforcement effectiveness is essential to safeguarding the security and stability of cross-boundary trade.

The Conference covered a series of presentations and panel discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities present in e-commerce. Optimal results were yielded as the participants shared experiences and best practices to foster sustainable economic growth regionally and beyond. During today's closing, a Joint Statement reaffirming the commitment to strengthening mutual collaboration between Customs administrations and e-commerce stakeholders to foster the growth and development of e-commerce across the A/P region was also issued.

Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Conference on Simplification of Procedures and Best Practices for E-commerce concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government strongly condemns US senators' despicable attempt to intimidate HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (May 17) strongly condemned those United States (US) senators who requested a review, through a so-called "bill", of including a number of judges, and prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DoJ), in a so-called list of "sanctions" in an attempt to intimidate the HKSAR personnel concerned who safeguard national security.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "It is clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, so the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) is free from any intervention. However, those US politicians insist on turning a blind eye to all these facts, and even clamour for so-called 'sanctions' against the HKSAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR despises any so-called 'sanctions' and shall never be intimidated. It shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs."

The spokesman pointed out, "Nearly five years having passed since the implementation of the HKNSL, the HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The DoJ of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws."

"The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court."

"The judicial system of the HKSAR has always been highly regarded by international communities. Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice."

The spokesman reiterated, "The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the 'one country, two systems' principle. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'."