Paul Chan Discusses Economic Cooperation and Financial Development During Beijing Meetings

FS calls on finance-related central ministries and institutions in Beijing

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, who is currently visiting Beijing, called on the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, this morning (September 21). Mr Chan reported on the arrangements for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting. They also exchanged views on economic and financial developments on the Mainland and in Hong Kong, as well as global economic and trade issues. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, also attended the meeting.

This afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Governor of the People's Bank of China, Mr Pan Gongsheng, and the Minister of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, Ms Ding Xiangqun, respectively. They had in-depth exchanges on issues including national and international economic and financial market developments, as well as further co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in financial regulation and development. Mr Chan also gave them a brief introduction to the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026–2030) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address, particularly the planning direction and objectives for consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. Mr Hui; the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung, also attended the meetings.

Mr Chan and Mr Hui will continue their visit programme in Beijing tomorrow (September 22) and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.

FS calls on finance-related central ministries and institutions in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS calls on finance-related central ministries and institutions in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS calls on finance-related central ministries and institutions in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigars

Two incoming female passengers were each sentenced to six months' imprisonment and fined $2,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (September 21) for importing duty-not-paid cigars and failing to declare them to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted two Spanish female passengers, one 31 years old and the other 28 years old, arriving in Hong Kong from Cuba via Panama and the Netherlands, at Hong Kong International Airport on September 18 and seized about 55 kilogramsof duty-not-paid cigars, with an estimated market value of about $3.9 million and a duty potential of about $230,000 from their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigars are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigars 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).

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigars Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigars Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases