Solid foundation: Financial Secretary John Tsang, Commissioner of Customs & Excise Richard Yuen and guests officiate at the Customs Headquarters Building foundation stone laying ceremony.

Customs Headquarters Building, to be ready in mid-2010, will boost the department's efficiency, provide better services and keep pace with Hong Kong's economic development, Financial Secretary John Tsang says.

Officiating at the building's foundation stone-laying ceremony today, Mr Tsang said the department has been improving customs clearance efficiency to facilitate passenger and cargo flow, promoting trade and logistic development.

"On the anti-smuggling and anti-piracy fronts, the department has been working closely with Mainland and international customs agencies to combat the trafficking of dangerous drugs and counterfeit and pirated goods," he added.

World leader

Noting countries in the Asia Pacific region have been confronted with rampant piracy activity, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong, with its committed efforts in combating the problem, can serve as a role model.

Customs recently joined with other Government departments and the Consumer Council to ensure consumer goods safety and prevent unscrupulous sales activities. Enforcement and inspections have also been bolstered.

"I am confident the dedicated efforts made by the department can effectively protect consumer rights and safeguard Hong Kong's reputation as a shopping paradise," he said.

Building features

The 34-storey Customs Headquarters Building on Java Road, North Point, will house 1,800 Customs officers. Apart from general facilities such as a multi-purpose auditorium, a library and a staff canteen, it will also be equipped with an advanced radio command control centre, an information technology centre, a computer forensic laboratory, a fitness training room, an indoor firing range and two mini-ranges for computer-simulated shooting exercises. An exhibition centre will be built to showcase the department's history and work.

Commissioner of Customs & Excise Richard Yuen said the new headquarters is a milestone in the department's development and will bring greater convenience to the public.

"By housing all currently dispersed public services on licence and permit applications under one roof, the building will provide a one-stop service to the public at a single location," he said.