Speech by Commissioner of Coustoms and Excise at 2009 International Customs Day

香港海关关长在2009年"国际海关节"致辞

The Honourable Financial Secretary, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

财政司司长、各位来宾、各位朋友：

Each year, the Wor1d Customs Organisation dedicates International Customs Day to a special theme to promote international Customs co-operation to tackle an issue of common concern.

世界海关组织每年都会为国际海关节订立特别的主题，以促进海关合作。

This year, the theme is "Customs and the Environment: Protecting our Natural Heritage".

今年的主题是海关与环境：保护我们的自然遗产。

I think this is a very meaningful theme, that not only reflects the growing concern of the international community about protecting our environment and our natural heritage,

我认为这个主题十分有意义，因为这个主题不但反映国际社会越来越关注保护环境和自然遗产的问题，

but that also helps to highlight the increasingly diverse roles and responsibilities of customs officers today.

亦突显现今海关人员的角色和责任越来越多元化。

Traditionally, the main role of Customs is the col1ection of import and excise duties and the prevention of smuggling and trafficking in drugs.

海关传统的主要角色，是征收入口税及消费税，以及防止走私和贩毒。

Since the 911 events, Customs administrations around the world have assumed an increasing role in the fight against terrorism.

自美国发生9.11袭击后，全球的海关当局在打击恐怖主义方面，已承担更重要的角色。

At the same time, the fact that Customs is often seen by bona fide traders as a stumbling block to doing business means

同时，海关往往被正当的贸易商视为做生意的绊脚石，

that we have to play a key role in promoting economic growth through trade facilitation.

可见我们在透过利使商贸以促进经济增长方面，担当特别的角色。