Hong Kong and the Mainland will work closely to conduct more joint operations to combat cross-boundary smuggling.

Training for customs officers in both places will be strengthened while seminars on training and international co-operation will be organised.

Commissioner of Customs & Excise Timothy Tong and a nine-member delegation attended the annual review meeting in Beijing yesterday and today. The 11-member delegation of the Mainland's Customs General Administration is headed by its Deputy Commissioner Gong Zheng.

The Mainland team was briefed on our cargo control measures after the implementation of CEPA, and mutual co-operation over the rules-of-origin system and the implementation of the Container Security Initiative.

Both parties agreed that CEPA has been implemented smoothly and satisfactorily.

The delegates also shared their experiences in joint efforts in law enforcement, including crackdowns on smuggling of illicit cigarettes and fuel, and cross-boundary drug trafficking.

Before departing for Shanghai on January 14, the Hong Kong delegation will partake in the opening ceremony of the Asia Pacific Region's Intelligence Liaison Centre.

In Shanghai, they will visit the Shanghai Customs, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Express Mail Control Centre, and Waigaoqiao Customs Container Inspection Facilities.