Chinese Mainland, HK Customs Hold Annual Review Meeting

The 2000 Annual Review Meeting between the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Customs General Administration of China was held in Hong Kong from November 27 to 29.

This was the first annual meeting since the two administrations signed the "Customs Cooperative Arrangement" in March this year, according to a spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong Wednesday.

Apart from reviewing issues relating to the implementation of the "Customs Cooperative Arrangement" and exploring ways to further strengthen mutual cooperation, the two sides exchanged views on customs issues of common concern.

Regarding the current smuggling situation, Tsang Chun-wah, commissioner of customs and excise of Hong Kong, hoped that both sides could step up cooperation in combating smuggling activities.

The Customs General Administration of China delegation also gave a brief account of its anti-smuggling plan.

The two sides signed a resolution on aspects of mutual cooperation in the coming year. The resolution covers training programs, cultural exchanges and visit programs, and a study on simplification of customs clearance procedures.






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