The Customs and Excise Department hosted a reception this afternoon (January 26) to mark the 2007 International Customs Day. The theme for this year is "No to Counterfeiting and Piracy".
Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose Lee; Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip; and Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Timothy Tong, officiated at the reception.
About 300 guests, including Vice Minister of General Administration of Customs and Director General of Guangdong Sub-Administration of PRC, Mr Liu Wen-jie; Director-General of Macao Customs Service, Mr Choi Lai-hang; Executive Council Members, Legislative Council Members; government officials; Consuls General; foreign Customs attaches; and Customs representatives from the Mainland and Macau drank a toast to the international Customs community.
At the reception, ten officers of Hong Kong Customs who were awarded by World Customs Organization (WCO) for their significant contributions towards combating piracy and counterfeiting activities were presented WCO Certificates of Merit.
Honorary President of the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, Mr Michael Hui, staged a "stand-up comedy". Chief Executive Officer of International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) (Hong Kong Group), Mr Ricky Fung, presented Hong Kong Customs with a composed melody on the theme of protecting intellectual property rights.
IFPI representatives also joined Customs officers in a live band performance of the song.
In commemoration of the first Council Session of the Customs Co-operation Council which was held on January 26, 1953, World Customs Organisation (WCO) in 1984 officially set January 26 as "International Customs Day" with the aim of enhancing cooperation and fostering closer working relationships among Customs authorities, and promoting international trade.
This was the 20th celebration of International Customs Day by Hong Kong Customs since having become a member of WCO in 1987.
WCO is an independent intergovernmental body focusing on coordinating the work of different Customs authorities and looking for ways for closer cooperation. Its missions are to foster closer cooperation among members, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations.
Ends/Friday, January 26, 2007
