HK, US Customs to Hold Joint Factory Observation VisitsHong Kong and the United States Customs officers will conduct a series of joint factory observation visits later this month, announced a spokesman for the Hong Kong government Tuesday."This is the eighth round of joint factory visits since 1996 and the trade should be familiar with its operation by now," said Andrew Wong Ching-wai, head of Trade Controls Branch, Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong. "The joint teams comprise both Hong Kong and US Customs officers. They will visit only those textiles factories which have given prior consent to the visits. "Joint team members would not undertake any enforcement activities during the visits. If necessary, any enforcement activities would be undertaken by Hong Kong Customs independently and separately from the visits," Wong added. The visits will start from October 23 and last for about three weeks. Detailed arrangements are announced by the Trade and Industry Department separately through a Notice to Exporters. "As part of our enhanced cooperation with the US to combat illegal transshipment of textiles and clothing products, the joint factory observation visits will continue to be conducted. "This would keep the US up-to-date with our textiles export control arrangements. A better understanding by the US of our efforts will help enhance the two sides' cooperation and effectiveness in combating illegal textiles transshipment," said Wong. |
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