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HK Operates as Separate Customs Territory, Official
Hong Kong has continued to operate effectively and efficiently as a separate customs territory after its return to the motherland in 1997, said a senior official.
The Commissioner of Customs and Excise John Tsang Chun-wah made the remark when delivering a speech on "Hong Kong - A Separate Customs Territory : A Myth or Reality?" at a luncheon organized by the New American Foundation in Washington, DC. Tsang is currently in the United States for a 10-day official visit.
He said that under the Basic Law of Hong Kong and the concept of "one country, two systems", the people of Hong Kong enjoy a high degree of autonomy and independent executive, legislative and judicial powers, including that of final adjudication.
"In fact, we are able to manage everything for ourselves except for matters concerning foreign affairs and national defense which are the responsibilities of the central government," he added.
Tsang explained that the Hong Kong Customs had played the role in maintaining Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory in three areas, namely boundary enforcement, control of strategic commodities and participation in international organizations.
He added that the Hong Kong Customs had been maintaining close cooperation with its overseas counterparts and other law enforcement agencies, especially its counterparts on China's mainland, to enhance the effectiveness of the control system.
The central government of China was totally supportive of Hong Kong's special status and had stated clearly that all state organs in Hong Kong had to abide by the Basic Law and all Hong Kong laws, Tsang said.
On the participation in international organizations, Tsang said, "Hong Kong is a founding member of the World Trade Organization serving under the name of Hong Kong, China, having been a member of the GATT for some years. This position will not change even with the entry of China into the world body."
"We will continue to strive to uphold Hong Kong's trading integrity and safeguard the faithful implementation of the 'one country, two systems' concept," he concluded.
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