More than 50 representatives from various Customs administrations of the Asia Pacific region and international organisations of the logistic industry today (February 13) gathered in Hong Kong for the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Seminar on "SAFE Framework of Standards (FoS) to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade".
Logistically supported by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the four-day seminar provides a platform for Customs authorities to exchange views and experience of the implementation of standards under the FoS, particularly on Customs-Business Partnership and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO).
Developed by WCO, SAFE FoS aims to facilitate Customs authorities to safeguard cargo security while ensuring seamless cargo flow. It offers a set of common standards for establishing Customs-to-Customs and Customs-to-Business strategic partnership.
Addressing the seminar today, Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Lawrence Wong said, "SAFE FoS will substantially and significantly change the philosophies, systems and operations of Customs authorities worldwide in cargo clearance."
"The Two Pillars and the Four Core Elements of the Framework will have far-reaching implications on the international trade and the world's economy in the coming decades," he said.
Underlining the importance of close cooperation of all stakeholders to the successful implementation of SAFE FoS, Mr Wong called on the business partners in the supply chain to actively participate in SAFE FoS implementation.
He believed that the seminar would help local trading community better understand how they would benefit from more efficient Customs clearance resulting from implementation of SAFE FoS.
During the seminar, speakers from private sectors will make presentations on trade facilitation, security measures in force and their cooperation with Customs.
SAFE FoS was first adopted in WCO Council Session in June 2005. As at today, 144 WCO members have already signed the letter of intent to implement SAFE FoS. Twenty-five of these members are from Asia Pacific Region.
Ends/Tuesday, February 13, 2007
