The World Customs Organization Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific Region (APVC) and the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO A/P) co-hosted the 35th Administrative Meeting for National Contact Points (NCP) of RILO A/P over two consecutive days in Hong Kong, China, from 18 November to 19 November 2024.

(Photo shows the Head of RILO A/P, Mr. Toshihiko OSAWA and Head of Secretariat Office of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region, Mr LI Kin-kei (front row, centre), other attending representatives of the RILO A/P members and regional entities and other Hong Kong Customs officers)

(Head of RILO A/P, Mr. Toshihiko OSAWA)

(Head of Secretariat Office of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region, Assistant Commissioner (WCO) of Customs and Excise, Mr LI Kin-kei)

A welcoming speech was delivered on 18 November by Mr. Toshihiko OSAWA, the head of RILO A/P. Mr. OSAWA highlighted that this meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the current state of the information-sharing network in the A/P region, focusing on how to collectively strengthen responses to criminal threats. He emphasized that RILO A/P exists to support the enforcement activities of member customs administrations in the region, making it essential to understand Members' needs and ensure that RILO’s projects align and provide tangible benefits. With RILO A/P’s recent relocation to Tokyo, Mr. OSAWA shared plans to launch several new projects aimed at addressing common challenges. He also noted that Workplan 2025 would serve as a directive from regional customs members to RILO A/P.  Mr. OSAWA highlighted the importance of the meeting in fostering strong collaboration and developing practical solutions to address the evolving trends in illicit activities across the region.  In his welcome speech, Mr LI Kin-kei, the Head of the Secretariat Office of APVC, hoped that through the NCP meeting, the commitment and dedication of the A/P family would facilitate regional co-operation to respond to the rapidly changing trends in illicit activities in the region.

(Photo shows representatives from RILO A/P customs administrations and regional entities at the meeting)

This two-day meeting gathered around 42 representatives from A/P customs administrations as well as from the WCO's regional entities, who engaged in discussions and experience sharing on regional cooperation in law enforcement and intelligence exchange.