Pakistan, Hong Kong sign customs accord

Islamabad: Pakistan and Hong Kong customs authorities have officially signed a cooperative agreement aimed at enhancing mutual administrative assistance, information sharing, and surveillance efforts. The agreement, signed during a virtual ceremony held at the Federal Board of Revenue headquarters, will also cover joint enforcement of customs laws. A copy of the agreement was exchanged between Hong Kong Customs Head and Pakistan's Consul General in Hong Kong, formally concluding the signing process.

The cooperative arrangement, which aligns with international standards set by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), reaffirms both customs administrations' commitment to strengthening customs enforcement and securing the international trade supply chain. Shakeel Shah, Member Customs Operation and co-chair of the ceremony, stated that this enhanced cooperation would strengthen their institutional relationship, enabling them to effectively tackle emerging challenges in customs.

He emphasized that the agreement will help optimize revenue collection and ensure efficient trade facilitation.

Shakeel Shah also assured Hong Kong Customs that Pakistan Customs will continue to cooperate in all areas of mutual assistance and collaboration. The signing of this cooperative arrangement represents a significant step towards bolstering bilateral customs cooperation, sharing customs-related information and intelligence, and fostering a secure and facilitative international trading environment.