Islamabad: International Customs Day will be observed on January 26th over the world including Pakistan with the theme for 2012 ‘Borders divide, Customs Connects.’

The day is celebrated under the aegis of World Customs Organisation (WCO), which has 177 members worldwide. WCO came into being in 1952 and is the only inter-governmental organisation exclusively focused on Customs matters.

To mark the various organisations have chalked out special ceremonies to observe the day in a befitting manner.

The WCO has dedicated 2012 to the promotion of ‘Connectivity’ which encapsulates people connectivity, institutional connectivity and information connectivity among the members of the global Customs community.

The day is celebrated under the aegis of World Customs Organisation (WCO), which has 177 members worldwide. WCO came into being in 1952 and is the only inter-governmental organisation exclusively focused on Customs matters. Each year all member countries of WCO celebrate International Customs Day on January 26 with a special theme. The theme of this year’s International Customs Day is ‘Borders divide, Customs Connects.’
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Hong Kong (HKSAR) – The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Clement Cheung, officiated at a cocktail reception today (January 17) to celebrate the 2012 International Customs Day.

The theme chosen for this year is “Borders divide, Customs connects”, which is aimed at promoting connectivity of personal, institutional and informational linkages that help to ensure smooth and lawful flow of cargo/ passenger traffic as well as fighting all types of illicit activities which affect society and its economy.

Echoing this theme, Mr So stressed in his speech the importance of “connectivity” which had prompted Customs administrations around the globe to increase collaboration.

He also highlighted the strenuous efforts made by Hong Kong Customs in pursuing “information connectivity”, citing implementation of the Road Cargo System and revamping of the Air Cargo Clearance System as examples.

“The connectivity approach has provided the framework of business-to-Customs sharing of advance cargo information, thereby improving the overall Customs clearance efficiency and facilitating trade,” Mr So said.

Also speaking at the reception, Mr Cheung noted that a rapid pace of globalisation in recent years had reshaped market landscape and called for not only strengthened dialogue between jurisdictions, but also nurturing of a sustainable partnership with the business community.

“In order for individual economies to remain competitive, a proper balance must be struck between the historical responsibility of Customs in deterring illicit activities, protecting public revenue and ensuring border security with the need for trade facilitation.” he said.

Mr So presented the World Customs Organization Certificate of Merit to nine officers of Hong Kong Customs and a representative of the Hong Kong Brands Protection Alliance in recognition of their contribution towards projects and initiatives related to connectivity.

About 380 guests were present at the reception, including President and Members of the Legislative Council, government officials, Consul-Generals, Customs attachˆms, senior representatives from Macao Customs as well as stakeholders in the business sector.

The cocktail was the 24th event of its kind hosted by Hong Kong Customs since it became a member of the World Customs Organization in 1987. ref: 7thspace

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