According to statistics from the General Customs Administration of the People's Republic of China��the country's customs tax revenue in 1999 increased by 71 billion yuan over that of 1998, with the growth rate reaching a record high of 80.8 percent. Net profits turned over to central government hit 158.96 billion yuan, 76.9 billion yuan more than the planned target set early in the year.

The main reasons for the rapid growth as listed by an official from the customs administration include: 1. Effective implementation of a series of major decisions, such as crackdown on smuggle and the expansion of domestic needs. 2. The adoption of a host of measures for comprehensive treatment. And 3. Strict administration of the customs house according to law.