New system for expedite customs enforcement
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-11-14 12:27

Hong Kong will establish an immediate notification system with Australian and New Zealand customs administrations to expedite enforcement, according to a government press release on Saturday.

Commissioner of Customs Timothy Tong led a five-member delegation to Sydney and Auckland to attend bilateral conferences with the Australian Customs Service and the New Zealand Customs Service from November 8 to 12.

An agreement was reached between Hong Kong Customs and the two customs administrations to set up an immediate notification system, which will enable enforcement officers to track down criminals and suspects at airports and beyond.

"It is extremely important especially in dangerous drugs and money laundering cases that require prompt customs intervention," Tong said.

The three parties also exchanged views on facilitating customs clearance of goods and passengers. All parties agreed the right balance has to be maintained between cargo security and trade facilitation.

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