Site visit: Executive Councillor Andrew Liao visits the Customs & Excise Department to inspect enforcement action against piracy and counterfeiting.

The Customs & Excise Department is co-ordinating an extended anti-counterfeiting work programme to enhance enforcement against product piracy.

Customs Commissioner Timothy Tong said today the programme will comprise a series of initiatives including the launch of the Alliance on Protection of Intellectual Property Rights.

The body will include officials from the Intellectual Property Department, Travel Industry Council, Consumer Council, and copyright holders and experts from the industry.

Under the alliance, Mr Tong said copyright owners will boost their surveillance to ensure that shops selling goods bearing their trademarks are genuine.

Any suspected counterfeits will be referred to Customs for investigation.

Other initiatives include:

* stepping up enforcement action against counterfeiting through enhanced intelligence and incentive schemes;

* strengthening publicity, encouraging traders to pledge to sell genuine goods; and,

* organising seminars and roadshows to promote awareness and respect for intellectual property rights.

He said the extended work programme aims to send a clear message to tourists and shoppers that Hong Kong respects intellectual property rights and remains a shopping paradise for genuine goods.

Meanwhile, Executive Councillor Andrew Liao visited the department for a better understanding of its enforcement action against piracy and counterfeiting.