Hong Kong Hosts Regional Conference to Advance Smart Customs and Digital Transformation in Asia/Pacific

Hong Kong Customs hosts landmark regional conference to drive future of Smart Customs

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). The conference gathered key global stakeholders to advance the digital transformation of Customs administrations.

With the support of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, this inaugural large-scale regional workshop on Smart Customs brought together over 200 representatives from the WCO, global Customs administrations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat and the innovation and technology sector.

The opening ceremony of the conference on March 11 was officiated by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat; and the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei.

In his opening address, Mr Tang underscored the vital role of Smart Customs in supporting A/P region's dynamic trade flows and addressing transnational challenges. He highlighted four key pillars of Smart Customs initiatives in the region, namely data driven intelligence, digital single window trade, intelligent inspection, and multilateral connectivity, citing Hong Kong Customs' AI-driven video analytics system "WiseShield" and Project "ValidAP" as examples of innovation. He called for harmonised digital standards, bridging the digital divide and stronger public-private co-operation to ensure growth and resilient supply chains.

In his welcoming remarks as the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region, Mr Chan said the conference aimed to strengthen partnerships and enhance co-operation for Smart Customs development in the A/P region. He outlined HongKongCustoms' transformative initiatives, including the application of AI, blockchain, and big data, and emphasised that the success of SmartCustoms relies on mutual trust, partnership and collaboration. HongKongCustoms is committed to advancing digitalisation of Customs practices, strengthening global trade connectivity and building resilient supply chains.

The conference featured a series of presentations and panel discussions that facilitated a robust exchange of experiences and best practices. Delegates also participated in field visits to Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao to observe firsthand the three Customs authorities' application of innovative technologies in their operations.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to drive the Smart Customs agenda, leveraging technology and partnership to create a more efficient, secure, and connected future for global trade.

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows representatives of different sectors attending a panel discussion session. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows innovation and technology companies setting up booths to showcase their latest technologies during the conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (first row, eighth left); the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (first row, eighth right); the Deputy Commissioner (Management and Strategic Development) of Customs and Excise, Mr Rudy Hui (first row, seventh right); the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (first row, sixth right), and other representatives from different sectors. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (centre); the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (left); and the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (right), officiating at the opening ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei, setting the tone of the conference during the opening ceremony and establishing the direction and key focus of the discussions. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, delivering his opening remarks at the conference on March 11. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, delivering his welcoming remarks at the conference on March 11. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Completion of first large-scale transport infrastructure in Northern Metropolis-Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) further enhances North District transport network

The Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) Commissioning Ceremony was held today (May 2), marking the successful completion of the first large-scale transport infrastructure project in the Northern Metropolis (NM), providing more direct and efficient road connections for North District.

The commissioning ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn. Other officiating guests included the Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands), Ms Doris Ho; the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau; the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong; the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Ms Linda So; and several Legislative Council Members.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Linn said that the completion and commissioning of the Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) is an important milestone in the development of the NM. It demonstrates the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's commitment to the principles of "infrastructure-led" and "urban-rural integration" when taking forward the NM development, further improving the road network in the district and making early preparations for the convenient commuting of residents in the future. She added that the project team actively utilised the country's innovative construction technologies, such as adopting the advanced "horizontal bridge rotation method" to construct the bypass bridge structure spanning across the East Rail Line railway; and in the construction of the associated Lung Yeuk Tau Interchange footbridge, applying China-made ultra-high strength S960 steel for the first time globally in a footbridge project. Through the NM development projects, the country's advanced construction technologies and materials are being promoted to the international stage. Ms Linn also expressed her hope that the construction projects of the NM can provide a stage for advanced technologies and materials from around the world, including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and overseas, to showcase their capabilities.

The Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section), with a total length of about 4 kilometres, is a dual two-lane carriageway. It comprises at-grade roads, underpasses, and viaducts. It starts at Fanling Highway near Kau Lung Hang in Tai Po, passing through the On Lok Tsuen Industrial Area and the Lung Yeuk Tau Interchange, extending along the Ng Tung River, and connecting to Shek Wu San Tsuen and the Fanling North New Development Area (NDA). It serves as an important bypass linking North District of the New Territories with the urban areas. Upon commissioning, motorists can travel between Fanling Lung Yeuk Tau, Luen Wo Hui, and Fanling Highway via the new route without passing through the existing roads in the town centres of Sheung Shui and Fanling, saving approximately 10 minutes of travel time during peak hours. The Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) will also effectively divert the future traffic of the Fanling North NDA, alleviate the amount of traffic on the existing major roads in Fanling and Sheung Shui, improve the overall road conditions, and enhance the operational efficiency of the road network in North District.

The Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) will open to the public at 8am tomorrow (May 3).

Completion of first large-scale transport infrastructure in Northern Metropolis-Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) further enhances North District transport network Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Completion of first large-scale transport infrastructure in Northern Metropolis-Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) further enhances North District transport network Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Completion of first large-scale transport infrastructure in Northern Metropolis-Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) further enhances North District transport network Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Completion of first large-scale transport infrastructure in Northern Metropolis-Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) further enhances North District transport network Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Completion of first large-scale transport infrastructure in Northern Metropolis-Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) further enhances North District transport network Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases