Commissioner,
Guests,
Officers on Parade,

I am delighted to be invited by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise to review this parade as an Inspecting Officer and to speak to you.

For years, the Customs and Excise Department has established itself as an outstanding disciplinary force with an enviable reputation. Its distinguished record of service has commanded much respect in the community. After the establishment of the Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong continues to function effectively as a separate customs territory under the existing trading systems and commits itself to the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" concept.

Your Department undertakes a wide range of responsibilities, including revenue collection, anti-narcotics and anti-smuggling work, protection of intellectual property rights and consumer interests, trade facilitation as well as trade controls.

The service of your Department in recent years has been outstanding particularly in the area of protection of copyright and trademarks. As an important financial and trading center in the world, Hong Kong has been playing an active role in the protection of intellectual property. The Department, which is responsible for all operations for the detection of pirated and counterfeit goods, works closely with overseas law-enforcers as well as trademark and copyright owners in its fight against acts of infringement. I am confident that you would continue to step up your action in combating piracy and counterfeiting for the protection of intellectual property.

I am also pleased to note that your Department is in the process of modernization in areas such as information technology and human resources management. New computer systems are being installed. Equipment has been upgraded for greater safety and better duty performance. Arrangements have been made for the building of new customs launches and your Customs Headquarters building is on the drawing board. All these point to the fact that the Department is a progressive and forward-looking organization, moving forward into a new era and will continue to play an important role in the Special Administrative Region.

All of you on parade today have taken a good decision to join the Customs and Excise Department. Your smart uniform and spirited bearing reflect not only the pride you take in being a member of the customs force but also the fine training you have received from your instructors. While you are serving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, you must always bear in mind that the eyes of the public are on you. Whether you are in the front line or in a support position, you are part of a team which requires joint effort. In the days ahead, you will be called upon to perform a wide range of tasks which will afford you great satisfaction. Perform your tasks with diligence and honesty and your future will be promising.

I send my warmest congratulations to you all for the completion of your training. You should pride yourselves on being a member of the Department and work to the best of your ability for the Special Administrative Region.