Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, hosted the Regional Conference on Smart Customs starting March 11 for three consecutive days, with the conference concluding today (March 13). The conference gathered key global stakeholders to advance the digital transformation of Customs administrations.

With the support of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation, this inaugural large-scale regional workshop on Smart Customs brought together over 200 representatives from the WCO, global Customs administrations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretariat and the innovation and technology sector.

(Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (first row, eighth left); the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (first row, eighth right); the Deputy Commissioner (Management and Strategic Development) of Customs and Excise, Mr Rudy Hui (first row, seventh right); the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (first row, sixth right), and other representatives from different sectors.)

The opening ceremony of the conference on March 11 was officiated by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat; and the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei.

(Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (centre); the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (left); and the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (right), officiating at the opening ceremony.)

In his opening address, Mr Tang underscored the vital role of Smart Customs in supporting A/P region's dynamic trade flows and addressing transnational challenges. He highlighted four key pillars of Smart Customs initiatives in the region, namely data driven intelligence, digital single window trade, intelligent inspection, and multilateral connectivity, citing Hong Kong Customs' AI-driven video analytics system "WiseShield" and Project "ValidAP" as examples of innovation. He called for harmonised digital standards, bridging the digital divide and stronger public-private co-operation to ensure growth and resilient supply chains.

(Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, delivering his opening remarks at the conference on March 11.)

In his welcoming remarks as the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region, Mr Chan said the conference aimed to strengthen partnerships and enhance co-operation for Smart Customs development in the A/P region. He outlined Hong Kong Customs' transformative initiatives, including the application of AI, blockchain, and big data, and emphasised that the success of Smart Customs relies on mutual trust, partnership and collaboration. Hong Kong Customs is committed to advancing digitalisation of Customs practices, strengthening global trade connectivity and building resilient supply chains.

(Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, delivering his welcoming remarks at the conference on March 11.)

The conference featured a series of presentations and panel discussions that facilitated a robust exchange of experiences and best practices. Delegates also participated in field visits to Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao to observe firsthand the three Customs authorities' application of innovative technologies in their operations.

(Photo shows the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei, setting the tone of the conference during the opening ceremony and establishing the direction and key focus of the discussions.)

(Photo shows representatives of different sectors attending a panel discussion session.)

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to drive the Smart Customs agenda, leveraging technology and partnership to create a more efficient, secure, and connected future for global trade.

(Photo shows innovation and technology companies setting up booths to showcase their latest technologies during the conference.)