HONG KONG - Hong Kong Customs, in the name of Hong Kong, China, was elected yesterday as a vice-chairperson of the World Customs Organization.

Commissioner of Customs and Excise Louise Ho Pui-shan, who led a delegation in attending the 143rd/144th Customs Co-operation Council Sessions of the WCO in Brussels, said it was an honor for Hong Kong Customs to take on this important role in leading the development of the Asia-Pacific region, according to a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government statement.

According to the statement, it is strategically significant for Hong Kong Customs to take the lead in promoting cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region, which is conducive to promoting Hong Kong's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthening the collaboration among the country, the HKSAR and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

“This is the second time since 2000 that Hong Kong, China has served as vice-chairman for the Asia-Pacific region of the WCO, which is even more significant,” the statement reads.

“The global economy has undergone tremendous changes over the past two decades, and the region has become the region with the highest growth potential in the world in the 21st century,” it added.  

ALSO READ: HK Customs seizes fake goods worth HK$52m

According to the statement, it is strategically significant for Hong Kong Customs to take the lead in promoting cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region, which is conducive to promoting Hong Kong's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthening the collaboration among the country, the HKSAR and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

By playing this pivotal role, Hong Kong Customs hopes to safeguard multilateralism, promote international co-operation and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region, thereby contributing to the development of the country and Hong Kong, it added.

During the handover ceremony, Ho commended Australia, the outgoing WCO vice-chairperson for Asia-Pacific, for their outstanding work and achievements over the past two years.

She expressed gratitude to all A/P members for their unanimous support and vote of confidence in Hong Kong Customs to take up this important position.

READ MORE: HK Customs busts largest gold-smuggling case on record

In between the council sessions, Ho met with Secretary General of the WCO Ian Saunders and held a bilateral meeting with Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of Saudi Arabia Suhail bin Muhammad Abanmi, to enhance mutual communication.

She also held dialogues with heads of Customs administrations of different countries, including Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security of the United Arab Emirates Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Commissioner General of the Maldives Customs Service Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed, and Director General of the Singapore Customs Tan Hung Hooi.

She also met with Commissioner of Bureau of Customs of the Republic of the Philippines Bienvenido Rubio and Director General of the Thai Customs Department Theeraj Athanavanich.

During the visit, Ho and the delegation also visited the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels.