In expanding the scope of its work, the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association (HKCIEA) strives to come up with new ideas. Under the coordination of Vice President and Honorary Secretary Wan Hang-ping, HKCIEA hosts the Political and Economic Talk following the HKCIEA Council meeting every month. Through the event, HKCIEA aims to offer another important platform facilitating communication between the import-export sector and other industries. On 24 July 2023, Louise Ho Pui-shan, Commissioner of Customs and Excise, was invited to be a keynote speaker. She gave a briefing on the major tasks of the Customs and Excise Department, in particular various measures facilitating trading.

HKCIE President Pui Kwan-kay first delivered a welcome speech. He thanked the Hong Kong Customs for playing the role of a gatekeeper effectively, preventing prohibited goods from entering Hong Kong and entering mainland China through Hong Kong, and also completing many outstanding tasks to safeguard national security. The President also praised the Customs for boosting its efficiency in import and export clearance, facilitating logistics, consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation and shipping hub, and promoting economic development.

In her speech, Commissioner Ho mentioned the Hong Kong Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, which ensures cargo owners have the priority for customs clearance and also reduces customs inspections. She also pointed out that the Single E-lock Scheme currently has 76 customs clearance points and 819 routes in Hong Kong and the mainland, and together they help boost clearance efficiency. As for the Trade Single Window and the scheme for developing a dedicated express route for air-land fresh and live products, she said that the objective is to strengthen Hong Kong’s pivotal role in e-commerce and logistics chains, and foster development of the high-end, high-value logistics industry.

President Pui, together with Vice Honorary Secretary Byron Wong Tsz-wan and Executive Director Luna Chiu Chung Yuet-king, presented a certificate of appreciation to Commissioner Ho on behalf of HKCIEA. More than 50 people attended the event, including Vice Presidents Jimmy Wong Chi-hung, Tony Pang Chor-fu, Paul Leung Yuk-hung, David Ho Chi-ho, Eddy Li Sau-hung and Kenneth Chan Kin-nin, and Vice Honorary Secretaries Byron Wong Taz-wan and Sophia Lee Shuk-woon, Directors Chu Kwok-kee, Sam Chan Chi-cheuk, Michael Hui Wah-kit and Kenneth Lee Fung-nin. During the interactive session, council members enthusiastically exchanged views with Commissioner Ho on issues including how to solidify collaboration between the import-export sector and the Customs.