Hong Kong Customs organised the Customs YES Youth International Engagement Tour to Macao on October 11 and 12. A total of 20 Customs YES members visited Macao. Through visits to the platform for commercial and trade co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, historical and cultural heritage sites, and local customs enforcement facilities, members gained a comprehensive understanding of Macao's unique advantages and hub functions in the country's overall opening-up. Members also participated in the 36th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Contact Points Meeting to deepen their knowledge of international customs co-operation and frontier enforcement developments.
To strengthen interactive exchanges between the youth of Hong Kong and Macao, the delegation first participated in a Portuguese egg tart baking workshop alongside members of "Jovens Protectores do Original", the youth programme of Macao Customs, to experience Macao's distinctive culinary culture and to forge friendships. The delegation subsequently visited the Maritime Enforcement Department of the Macao Customs Service and toured its fleet to gain insights into Macao Customs' enforcement work in safeguarding maritime security, conducting marine patrols, and combating smuggling.
To enhance members' understanding of Macao's strategic positioning as "One Centre, One Platform and One Base", the delegation visited the Pavilion of China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform to learn about the development of economic and trade co-operation between the country and Portuguese-speaking nations, as well as Macao's bridging role in fostering Sino-Portuguese economic, trade, and cultural exchanges and co-operation. As this year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the delegation also visited General Ye Ting's Former Residence to learn about the heroic deeds of the revolutionary predecessor, and modern Chinese history, thereby fostering their affection for and sense of belonging to the country. In addition, members toured cultural landmarks including the Ruins of St. Paul's, the Mount Fortress, and Rua do Cunha, experiencing firsthand the profound cultural heritage blending Chinese and Western influences in Macao.
Making full use of its capacity as the WCO Vice-Chair for the A/P region, Hong Kong Customs actively facilitated youth engagement on the global stage by specially arranging for the delegation to participate in the 36th WCO A/P Regional Contact Points Meeting held in Macao. During the welcoming reception of the meeting, Customs YES members assisted in receiving foreign guests and, for the first time, worked with a Macao youth representative to serve as masters of ceremonies. The youths from both sides demonstrated confidence and dedication in front of customs delegates across the Asia-Pacific region, telling the good stories of contemporary China and Hong Kong on the international stage.
Customs YES will continue to organise diversified Mainland and international exchange activities in alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the relevant policy directions set out in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan. These initiatives aim to help young people broaden their global horizons, enhance their understanding of the development positioning of both the country and Hong Kong, and encourage them to proactively equip themselves, leverage their strengths, and actively integrate into and serve the overall development of the nation.
