Hong Kong Customs, in its capacity as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region (APVC), successfully hosted the 26th WCO A/P Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference from May 19 to 22, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.

((Photo shows the Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (centre), presiding over the Conference.)

The Conference is the highest-level meeting held annually in the A/P region, which has gathered more than 120 heads of Customs organizations and senior officials from the region, along with delegates from the WCO's regional entities. The Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders, was also in attendance.

(Photo shows the Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (right) exchanging views with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders (left).)

In his welcoming speech, the Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region, emphasized that the Conference serves as an important platform for discussing regional policies and formulating the future of the customs community. He expressed hope that the commitment and dedication of the A/P family would foster regional cooperation in addressing evolving global challenges. Other speakers, including Mr Saunders, also shared valuable insights on the future development of the WCO.

(Photo shows the Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (left), delivering a welcoming speech at the Conference.)

The Conference featured discussions on various customs initiatives and actions pertinent to the A/P region, enabling participants to share ideas and make decisions to enhance connectivity and trade facilitation among regional members, thereby promoting the development of customs affairs in the region. Participants endorsed several significant regional decisions, including the confirmation of the next-term regional representative positions and the composition of the Regional Strategic Plan Working Group. They also received updates on the latest developments among A/P members and regional entities. Additionally, discussions included an innovative initiative concerning a blockchain-based cross-validation platform, led by the APVC, aimed at accelerating logistics and economic development in the region.

(Photo shows the Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (front row, eighth right), the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders (front row, ninth right), other attending Hong Kong Customs officers and representatives of the A/P members and regional entities.)

(Photo shows representatives from A/P Customs administrations and the WCO's regional entities at the Conference.)

(Photo shows the Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (third right), meeting with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders (second left), during an intersession of the Conference.)

To enrich the conference experience, attendees had the pleasure of watching captivating performances by two local schools: the Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School Chinese Drum Team, and the Good Hope School Chinese Orchestra. These performances showcased the vibrant Chinese culture and highlighted the talent, positive energy, and potential of Hong Kong's younger generation.

(Photo shows the vibrant presentation by the Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School Chinese Drum Team at the welcome reception.)

(Photo shows the captivating performance by the Good Hope School Chinese Orchestra prior to the start of the first day Conference.)

This conference marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong Customs as it nears the conclusion of its first year as the APVC. In the coming year, Hong Kong Customs, in its role as the APVC, will continue to organize regional events aimed at fostering knowledge sharing, cooperation, and cohesion among A/P members while leading them in contributing to the robust development of regional customs affairs.