The Hong Kong Customs signed a co-operative arrangement with the Tax and Customs Administration of the Netherlands yesterday (June 20) in Hague, the Netherlands.
Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Timothy Tong, and Head of Dutch Customs Administration, Mr Willy Rovers, represented their respective administrations in signing the "Arrangement on Technical Cooperation".
He also had a meeting with Mr Jan Kees de Jager, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Finance about Hong Kong's advantages as an entrepot between Europe and Mainland China.
Under the Arrangement, Hong Kong and Dutch Customs will seek to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of customs control; improve risk management; facilitate legitimate trade; and develop projects of common interest, including exchange programmes for officials.
Hong Kong and Dutch Customs have established close working relationship, particularly in the field of enforcement and trade facilitation. Signing of the Arrangement has reaffirmed commitment and cooperation between the two administrations.
Mr Tong is leading a delegation to visit France and the Netherlands between 18 and 22 June 2007. Whilst in France, he met with Madam Christine Lagarde, French Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries at Bordeaux. He also discussed with Bordeaux Customs and international wine traders ways and means to promote Hong Kong as a wine hub.
Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2007
