Customs promotes trade facilitation

The Customs & Excise Department held the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme 10th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony today and presented certificates to 29 new members of the programme and presented Hong Kong AEO Programme Partnership Scheme Awards.

With "Bringing In & Going Global - Impetus for Hong Kong's Economy" as the theme, the ceremony reviewed the programme's development over the past decade.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau officiated at the ceremony with Commissioner of Customs & Excise Louise Ho.

During the event, Ms Ho and Consul General of Indonesia in Hong Kong Ricky Suhendar represented the Governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Indonesia to exchange the AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) documents.

Ms Ho and Director General of Indonesian Customs & Excise Askolani had earlier signed the documents.

The department has ratified MRAs with 13 customs administrations of the Mainland, India, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, Mexico and Indonesia.

Under the MRAs, AEOs from the signatory countries or regions can enjoy reciprocal trade facilitation including reduced inspection rates and prioritised clearance.

During the ceremony, Ms Ho and the Director General of the Department of Enterprise Management & Audited-based Control of Customs of the People's Republic of China Wang Sheng signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance AEO co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Witnessed by Mr Yau and Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Commercial Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR Liu Yajun, the signing ceremony was conducted through video-conferencing.

Ms Ho said in addition to its traditional role as a law enforcer and gatekeeper, the department also takes up the role of an economic development promoter, adding that it will continue to develop the Hong Kong AEO programme.

Since the implementation of the programme in 2012, 80 enterprises have been accredited.