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These included a commitment by the United States to make its best efforts to perform verifications within 48 to 72 hours of the authenticity of suspected shipments detained in the US. The US side would also consider ways by which the single entry bond requirement could be waived in respect of certain shipments.
Mr Lane promised to continue to work closely with the Hong Kong Government on this important issue.
The US side expressed that they would like to pursue the idea of joint verification with the Hong Kong Customs. They noted Hong Kong's new certification arrangement, which contains as a key element production verification procedures, could provide a basis for longer term co-operation between the two Customs services.
The Hong Kong delegation also agreed that an effective way of enhancing the general awareness of the problem of illegal transhipment in the community is to publish the prosecuted cases of significance and the punishment awarded in respect of such cases.
The two delegations agreed to meet again soon to discuss concrete measures that can be developed to enhance joint efforts to combat illegal transhipment of textiles.
Mr Li and Mr Lane, taking note of the recently concluded Hong Kong-US Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement, said it was within the spirit of the long time and close relations between the two Customs services to work together on such
common concerns.
End
Witness Protection Bill to be gazetted
The Government will introduce a bill to provide a legislative framework for existing Witness Protection Programmes (WPPs) and legal authority for the change of identity of high-risk witnesses, a government spokesman said today (Wednesday).
The Witness Protection Bill, to be gazetted on Friday (June 21), aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing witness protection arrangements and encourage members of the public to be more willing to come forward to give evidence.
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Private notes are available after approval.