27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference Successfully Concludes

27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference concludes

The 27th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Heads of Customs Administrations (RHCA) Conference, held by Hong Kong Customs in its capacity as the WCO Vice-Chair for the A/P Region (APVC), concluded today (May 20).

In his concluding remarks, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, highlighted the fruitful outcomes achieved during the three-day Conference. Participants endorsed several significant regional decisions, including the confirmation of the next-term regional representative positions to different WCO Committees and the adoption of the new Regional Strategic Plan. He noted that Hong Kong Customs had received unanimous support from A/P members to extend its tenure as APVC for another two years (2026-28), showcasing members' trust and recognition of its work. Mr Chan expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support and pledged to continue serving as a bridge between the WCO and A/P members, working together to deliver meaningful and positive progress for the region.

One of the key milestones achieved in the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Hong Kong Customs and Pakistan Customs, formalising Pakistan Customs' participation in the project "ValidAP". This collaboration represents a significant advancement in regional digital co-operation and will accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies among Customs administrations.

The Conference also concludes a landmark first tenure for Hong Kong Customs as APVC. Over the past two years, Hong Kong Customs has proactively organised 18 impactful events, fostering knowledge sharing, co-operation, and cohesion among A/P members and underscoring its commitment to regional development.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong Customs will continue to foster collaboration and drive forward the strategic priorities endorsed during this Conference, ensuring the Customs administrations of A/P region remain connected, progressive, and resilient.

The 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs concluded today (May 20). Photo shows the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (right), and the Chief Domain Officer of Pakistan Customs, Mr Naveed Abbas Memon (left), after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on project "ValidAP" on May 18. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 27th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs concluded today (May 20). Photo shows representatives from A/P Customs administrations and the WCO's regional entities at the Conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs concluded today (May 20). Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (first right), mingling with participants of the Conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs concluded today (May 20). Photo shows the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (centre), convening the Conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs concluded today (May 20). Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (left), delivering his concluding remarks at the Conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, yesterday (May 20, Paris time) proceeded to visit Brussels, Belgium, during which he met with a number of European Union (EU) officials and European business leaders to promote Hong Kong's advantages.

After arriving in Brussels, Mr Chan met respectively with the Deputy Director-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union of the European Commission, Dr Alexandra Jour-Schroeder; the Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service, Mr Erik Kurzweil; and the Hors Classe Adviser in the Directorate-General for Budget of the European Commission, Mr Siegfried Ruhl. They exchanged views on the experience of Hong Kong and Europe in areas including the economy, finance, trade and fiscal policy, and explored ways to further promote co-operation and build closer, mutually beneficial and win-win relations.

During the above meetings, Mr Chan briefed them on Hong Kong's economic and financial development. He pointed out that, amid the current challenging international political and economic environment, Hong Kong, under "one country, two systems", maintains its status as a free port, with the free flow of capital, information and talent. Hong Kong also adheres to international best practices in business, accounting and professional services, has stable and predictable economic and trade policies, and continues to innovate and develop its financial markets. He welcomed the European business and investment communities to make full use of Hong Kong as a platform to raise funds for developing markets in the Chinese Mainland and Asia.

Mr Chan also said that there is room for Hong Kong and Europe to strengthen co-operation in various fields, and that the two sides should engage in more exchanges of experience, mutual learning and joint development. For example, in the financial sector, the two sides could explore arrangements for dual listing by European enterprises in the two markets, develop fixed-income and currency markets, promote green finance and financial innovation, and better channel private savings to support industries and economic development.

Mr Chan also met with the Chief Executive Officer of Euroclear, a European financial intermediary institution, Ms Valérie Urbain, to exchange views on the global economic situation and financial market developments. In addition, he met with the representative of a renowned local family to learn about the development of its group's business in Hong Kong and Asia, and introduced Hong Kong's advantages in various aspects. He suggested that the group increase its investment in Hong Kong and use Hong Kong as its regional headquarters for managing its business and treasury activities in the region.

He also called on the Head of Mission and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the European Union, Mr Cai Run, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr Fei Shengchao. They had in-depth exchanges on China-Europe relations and the latest developments in Hong Kong.

Mr Chan will depart today (May 21, Brussels time) for the visit to Zurich, Switzerland.

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases