MSAR, Beijing strengthen anti-smuggling efforts

Chui Sai On and the local delegation meet with representatives of General Administration of Customs, including Yu Guangzhou

Chief Executive Chui Sai On met with the Minister of the General Administration of Customs Yu Guangzhou in Beijing last week to discuss the management of Macau’s waters and efforts to prevent and combat smuggling activities.
According to the Government Information Bureau, the meeting aimed to provide Yu with further updates regarding the SAR government’s economic development plans relating to these waters, and to receive feedback and suggestions from the General Administration of Customs in turn.
As cited in the statement, Chui said he was grateful for the long-term support of the General Administration of Customs, in particular during the process leading up to the announcement that outlined Macau’s administrative role in the management of its surrounding waters.
Meanwhile, Yu recalled the two documents signed in May, titled  “Cooperation Arrangement between the General Administration of Customs and the Macau SAR Government on the Prevention and Fight against Smuggling in Waters Managed by the Macau SAR and within Macau’s Land Boundaries” and the “Cooperation Memorandum between the General Administration of Customs and the Macau SAR Government on Origin of Transshipment Cargo in the Macau SAR under Free Trade Agreements.”
As part of the process of implementing the aims set out in the two documents, a system for facilitating trans-­shipment of cargo between the mainland and the region was created and has entered into operation.
The system streamlines the cost of trans-shipping cargo to the mainland via Macau, namely cargoes included in trade which are facilitated under free-trade agreements.
According to Yu, an extensive mechanism for bilateral communication has also been initiated in a bid to prevent or combat the smuggling of goods, drugs and firearms.
This was of significant importance to efforts aimed at limiting such illegal activities, he stated.
Chui completed a three-day visit to Beijing and returned to Macau on Friday.