Hong Kong Customs, serving as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region (APVC), successfully hosted the 27th WCO A/P Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference from May 18 to 20, 2026, in Hong Kong, China.

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

This is the highest-level annual conference held in the A/P region, and has gathered more than 120 heads of Customs and senior officials from the region, alongside 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 Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (right) exchanging views with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders (left).)

The Conference started with a welcoming speech by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region. Mr Chan emphasised the critical role of the Conference in shaping regional policies and fostering a collaborative customs community. Over the past two years, Hong Kong Customs, in its capacity as the A/P Vice-Chair, has upheld the core values of collaboration and co-operation. He encouraged all members to carry this momentum forward to ensure prosperity, sustainable development and close connections in the region. Other speakers, including Mr Saunders, also addressed the Conference and shared valuable insights on the WCO's future developments.

(Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (right), delivering a welcoming speech at the Conference.)

Meanwhile, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended the welcome reception on May 17. In his remarks, Mr Yau reaffirmed the steadfast support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for initiatives that promotes regional Customs co-operation, with a view to fostering more efficient and responsive Customs services to facilitate trade.

(Photo shows the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, delivering his remarks at the welcome reception on May 17.)

The Conference featured discussions on key Customs initiatives in the A/P Region and regional priorities, facilitating an exchange of ideas and collective decision-making to enhance trade facilitation and connectivity amongst regional members.

(Photo shows the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat (first row, eleventh left), the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders (first row, tenth left), 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.)

One of the key milestones achieved in the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Hong Kong Customs and Pakistan Customs, formalising Pakistan Customs' participation in the project "ValidAP". This collaboration represents a significant advancement in regional digital co-operation and will accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies among Customs administrations.

(Photo shows the Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of Customs and Excise, Mr Li Kin-kei (right), and the Chief Domain Officer of Pakistan Customs, Mr Naveed Abbas Memon (left), after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on project "ValidAP" on May 18.)

The Conference was complemented by cultural performances, including a demonstration by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Joint Primary Schools Wushu Elite Team at the welcome reception, and a performance by the Symphonic Band of Good Hope School prior to the start of the first day of the Conference. These performances not only highlighted the blend of Chinese and Western cultures, but also showcased the talent and vitality of Hong Kong's young generation.

(Photo shows the wonderful performance by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Joint Primary Schools Wushu Elite Team at the welcome reception.)

(Photo shows the wonderful performance by the Symphonic Band of Good Hope School prior to the start of the first-day Conference.)

The Conference concludes a landmark first tenure for Hong Kong Customs as APVC. Over the past two years, Hong Kong Customs has proactively organized 18 impactful events, fostering knowledge sharing, co-operation, and cohesion among A/P members and underscoring its commitment to regional development.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong Customs will continue to foster collaboration and drive forward the strategic priorities endorsed during this Conference, ensuring the Customs administrations of A/P region remain connected, progressive, and resilient.