The new Hong Kong Customs Headquarters Building (CHB) in North Point was officially opened by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (February 21).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tsang said the official opening of the modern and eco-friendly Customs Headquarters Building marked a new milestone in the Customs and Excise Department's history, and also reflected Hong Kong's "green" aspirations for the city.
"Placing the department's major operations under one roof at the Customs Headquarters Building will enhance the efficiency, communication and unity of the department," he said.
Mr Tsang added that officers will be able to take full advantage of the excellent working environment, and that the advanced operational and training facilities in the Headquarters Building will better equip them for the challenges ahead.
Mr Tsang also praised the Customs for playing a pivotal role in maintaining Hong Kong's image as a clean, vibrant and law-abiding city.
Joining the Chief Executive to mark the grand opening of CHB were Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs and Director General of Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Lu Bin; the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau; and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Richard Yuen.
At the ceremony, Mr Yuen presented the "World Customs Organisation Certificate of Merit" to the Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Marigold Lau, on behalf of the World Customs Organisation in appreciation of the Architectural Services Department's contribution in designing a building that helps promote capacity building and meets the future development needs of the department.
"With state-of-art training facilities and management information system in the new building, the Customs can achieve the vision of the World Customs Organisation - 'Knowledge, a catalyst for Customs excellence' and excel in what we do best: to protect society, secure the supply chain, facilitate trade and ensure the integrity of our border," Mr Yuen said.
The 32-storey CHB, with a total gross floor area of 41,000 square metres, houses more than 1,800 officers and civilians, about one-third of the total workforce, from various formations previously accommodated in different districts.
To cope with different operational needs and new initiatives, there are new facilities set up in the CHB, including the Customer Service Centre, an indoor firing range and an exhibition gallery.
The Customer Service Centre on the third floor provides integrated and one-stop services for applications of licences/permits of dutiable commodities, controlled chemicals, optical discs mastering and replication equipment and assessment of motor vehicle first registration tax. It also provides speedy and more efficient general public enquiry services on the department's work.
To facilitate training needs, the indoor firing range consists of one 25-metre range with dim-light shooting training and two mini-ranges equipped with computerised simulation shooting system for scenario-based training.
The 200-square metre exhibition gallery, with the theme of "The History and Development of Hong Kong Customs in past 100 years", serves to enhance the public's understanding of the development, work and modernisation of the department. Seizures effected during the various Customs enforcement operations, including anti-narcotics, intellectual property rights protection, consumer and revenue protection, are also on display.
Ends/Monday, February 21, 2011
