Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 21) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of an animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. One suspected illegally imported live cat with an estimated market value of about $25,000 was seized.
Customs officers yesterday intercepted a 66-year-old incoming female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, one live cat was seized from her rucksack, and she was subsequently arrested. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 21) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of an animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. One suspected illegally imported live cat with an estimated market value of about $25,000 was seized. Photo shows the suspected illegally imported live cat seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED calls on APEC member economies to join hands in promoting regional economic integration
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, called on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies' continued support for the multilateral trading system to deepen regional economic integration at the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Suzhou today (May 22).
Speaking at the session entitled "Build an Open and Predictable Regional and Multilateral Trade and Economic Order", Mr Yau said that against the backdrop of uncertainty and rising protectionism, the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core provides the much-needed stability, transparency and predictability to international trade.
Mr Yau called on fellow trade ministers to build upon the progress achieved at the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference and expedite follow-up work on those important outstanding issues, such as WTO reform, the extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and the continuation of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce. He also encouraged all APEC member economies to join the Agreement on Electronic Commerce so as to build the momentum for its eventual incorporation into the WTO legal framework.
Mr Yau noted that APEC member economies have been pursuing trade liberalisation through various means, and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) is one of the long-term visions for deepening economic integration in the region. As the global trade landscape has undergone unprecedented changes since the idea of the FTAAP was first discussed some 20 years ago, Hong Kong fully supports the country's efforts this year to develop an FTAAP document to inject new impetus into the initiative and to demonstrate APEC's ability to lead by example.
Mr Yau stressed that as part of its efforts to contribute to the FTAAP agenda, Hong Kong is actively seeking early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
He said he looks forward to RCEP's next major milestone in setting up the Accession Working Group for Hong Kong as soon as possible within 2026, and to the continued support in Hong Kong's accession bid. Hong Kong's accession to RCEP would add concrete impetus to regional economic integration and help advance the FTAAP agenda.
On the sidelines of the MRT meeting, Mr Yau met with the China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Li Chenggan, and the Deputy Minister of Trade of Indonesia, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, separately to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. He also met with the Mayor of Suzhou, Mr Wang Wei, and briefed him on Hong Kong's latest initiatives to drive economic development.
Mr Yau will continue to join the MRT Meeting tomorrow (May 23).
SCED calls on APEC member economies to join hands in promoting regional economic integration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED calls on APEC member economies to join hands in promoting regional economic integration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED calls on APEC member economies to join hands in promoting regional economic integration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED calls on APEC member economies to join hands in promoting regional economic integration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED calls on APEC member economies to join hands in promoting regional economic integration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
