Hong Kong inks trade pact with Australia

Recognised operators from both places can enjoy reciprocal benefits.

Commissioner of Customs & Excise Hermes Tang has signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement to boost trade facilitation with Australia.

He signed the deal with Acting Australian Border Force Commissioner Michael Outram in Brussels.

They were attending the 129th/130th Council Sessions of the World Customs Organisation.

The agreement mutually recognises the Hong Kong Authorised Economic Operator Programme and the Australian Trusted Traders Programme.

Under the pact, recognised operators from both places can enjoy reciprocal benefits, such as reduced examination or expedited clearance for goods imported from or exported to each other.

Hong Kong has the same arrangement with the Mainland, India, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan, and is working on implementing it with Mexico, the European Union and New Zealand.