Hong Kong and Shenzhen Collaborate on Development of Boundary Control Points for Enhanced Connectivity

Task force meeting on collaboration for planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points held in Shenzhen

A delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government led by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and a delegation of the Shenzhen Municipal Government led by Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Mr Luo Huanghao held a task force meeting on the collaboration for the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points in Shenzhen this morning (May 29) to continue taking forward the work relating to the planning and development of boundary control points (BCPs).

Mr Tang said that Hong Kong-Shenzhen BCPs serve not only as frontline hubs through which Hong Kong dovetails with national strategies under the 15th Five-Year Plan, but also as efficient and modern channels enabling Hong Kong and Shenzhen to join hands in integrating into and serving the national development strategy.

During the meeting, the two delegations reported on progress and exchanged views on the planning and development of land BCPs, including the redevelopment projects of the Huanggang and Sha Tau Kok BCPs, and the development plan of the food control facilities at Heung Yuen Wai. Concluding the meeting, Mr Tang noted that the cross-boundary passenger traffic at land BCPs between Hong Kong and Shenzhen has repeatedly reached record highs, and that the two-way flow of people between the two cities has become the norm. Both Hong Kong and Shenzhen should continue to upgrade the infrastructure of BCPs, implement facilitation measures, and establish a high-quality gateway for economic and tourism exchanges.

Other HKSAR government officials attending the meeting included representatives from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the Immigration Department, the Architectural Services Department, the Department of Health, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Government Property Agency and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

A delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government led by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and a delegation of the Shenzhen Municipal Government led by Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Mr Luo Huanghao held a task force meeting on the collaboration for the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points in Shenzhen today (May 29). Photo shows Mr Tang speaking at the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

A delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government led by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (fourth right), and a delegation of the Shenzhen Municipal Government led by Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Mr Luo Huanghao (fifth left) held a task force meeting on the collaboration for the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points in Shenzhen today (May 29). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming female passenger was sentenced to four months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (September 17) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 56-year-old local woman at the Lo Wu Control Point on May 3 and seized 5 361 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $21,000 and a duty potential of about $17,000. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases