■The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, delivers a keynote speech at the AEO Symposium.
Hong Kong Customs organised the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Expert Mission and Symposium for ASEAN and Hong Kong, China from 29 to 30 November 2023. This event, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, had the theme "We Connect for Safety and Prosperity".
On the first day, about 50 AEO experts from Customs administrations of ASEAN Member States, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao gathered together to share experience and discuss future cooperation regarding their respective AEO programmes. The experts also visited the Palace Museum and enjoyed a welcome dinner at Tai Kwun, where they learned about the stories of China and Hong Kong.
The highlight of the event was the AEO Symposium on the second day, with the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau as the Principal Guest. The Symposium brought together some 200 representatives from ASEAN Member States, government officials, business sector, trade associations, and Mainland China and Macao counterparts. The opening ceremony was conducted by Mr Yau, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, and other distinguished guests.
During the Symposium, Hong Kong Customs presented the Hong Kong AEO Partnership Awards to outstanding Hong Kong AEOs. Panel sessions were held to foster discussions on opportunities and challenges in expanding businesses in the markets of ASEAN and Mainland China.
The two-day event resulted in fruitful outcomes. Hong Kong Customs signed Action Plans for AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement with Customs administrations of Cambodia and the Philippines. The MoU on Enhancing AEO Cooperation at the Greater Bay Area was ratified among Mainland Customs, Hong Kong Customs and Macao Customs.
■The Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing AEO Cooperation at the Greater Bay Area among Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Customs was signed by representatives from the GACC, Hong Kong Customs and Macao Customs Service.
■Participants take part in panel sessions in which fostered discussions on the opportunities and challenges of extending business in the markets of ASEAN and Mainland China.
