HK and Israeli Customs directorates strengthen co-operation

Both parties were committed to co-operating more closely through mutual administrative assistance on matters relating to information exchange and enforcement of customs laws
 
Israel's customs directorate signed last week a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding co-operation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters with the Hong Kong Customs, in Jerusalem, Israel.
 
The Commissioner of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, Mr Richard Yuen, and the Head of the Customs Directorate of the Israel Tax Authority, Mr Doron Arbely, represented the two administrations at the signing ceremony.
 
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Doron Arbely said that the visit of the of Mr. Yuen and his deputies in Israel was an opportunity to show Israel's customs capabilities. Mr. Yuen said the MOU signified the mutual commitment and determination of the twoadministrations to enhance co-operation in combating transnational smuggling and criminal activities.
 
With the signing of the MOU, both parties were committed to co-operating more closely through mutual administrative assistance on matters relating to information exchange and enforcement of customs laws.
 
In 2009 total bilateral trade between the two countries was US$ 4 billion. Israel export to HK was US$2.9 billion (30% less compared to 2008) and import was US$1.1 billion (39% less compared to 2008).
 
Hong Kong Customs has so far signed customs co-operative arrangements with 16 of its counterparts, including the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.