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

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) hosted a business forum and spring reception on March 12 (Philadelphia time) in Philadelphia, one of the most significant life science clusters in the United States, to promote Hong Kong's expanding role as a global hub for health and life sciences innovation and to explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Over 130 business leaders, investors, and innovators from across Greater Philadelphia gathered to learn more about Hong Kong's role as an international life and health science hub.

As part of the Economic and Trade Express initiative, the business forum was co-organised by the New York ETO, Invest Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), strengthening efforts in trade and investment promotion, and reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder".

In her welcome remarks, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted Hong Kong's remarkable progress in life sciences and healthcare, emphasising the latest measures to propel Hong Kong's life sciences and health technology ecosystem through a multipronged approach.

She elaborated on Hong Kong's integrated development plan, including reforming the evaluation regime for drugs and medical devices, promoting the use of real-world data to facilitate clinical research, setting up dedicated institutes and academies for research and clinical trials at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone in the Northern Metropolis, as well as dedicated efforts in attracting strategic enterprises, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a leading health and innovation node.

Ms Ho added that Hong Kong's well-established financial ecosystem continues to play a pivotal role in supporting this growth. "Hong Kong ranks as the world's second-largest biotech fundraising hub, supporting a diverse range of innovative companies," she said.

The business forum featured two keynote presentations connecting life sciences and health innovation between Philadelphia and Hong Kong. In her keynote presentation, the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of the Invest Hong Kong in New York, Ms Yi Xie, highlighted Hong Kong as a launchpad for life sciences, showcasing its well- developed research and development infrastructure, robust intellectual property protection, and strategic gateway to the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and Asia-Pacific markets. Meanwhile, the Director (New York & Midwest) of the HKTDC, Mr Curtis Louie, shared the range of support the HKTDC provides to Philadelphia companies, including matchmaking services for companies, and encouraged delegation participation in the upcoming Asia Summit on Global Health.

The presentations were then followed by a panel discussion moderated by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Science History Institute, Dr David Cole, featuring the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ConSynance Therapeutics, Dr Liu Shuang; the Head of Global Business Development of the Jecho Laboratories, Dr Sarah Johnson; and the Director, Deal Advisory, US-China Corridor of KPMG, Mr Jon Hung. The speakers discussed collaboration, fundraising, clinical development, and market expansion in Asia.

On the same evening, Ms Ho hosted a spring reception for guests from the city's political, business, financial, and academic communities.

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's life sciences and health innovation in Philadelphia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases