ENG-1998 — Page 371

PUBLIC ORDER

Training

All recruits to the department go through basic training at the department's training school at Tai Lam. During the year, 106 inspectors and 383 Customs officers passed out of the school. Apart from induction training, the department provides specialist training necessary for its staff to discharge their duties in investigation and prosecution. It also organises training courses for other customs administrations as part of its international co-operation efforts. In 1998, 44 officers from the Mainland and Macau received their training in Hong Kong, besides 38 officers from customs administrations of Korea, Maldives, Peru, Japan, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

Electronic Data Interchange

The department has made good progress in implementing electronic data interchange (EDI) services for import and export declarations (TDEC). The submission of TDEC by diskettes was discontinued in April. Most users of the system now use EDI. The department plans to phase out the postal method of submitting trade declarations in April 1999. By April 2000, all TDEC submissions will have to be made using EDI. EDI services for cargo manifests are under development.

Information Technology

Information technology plays an increasingly important role in supporting the operations of the department. During the year, three major computer systems were put into operation.

With the opening of the new airport at Chek Lap Kok in July, phase I of the Air Cargo Clearance System commenced 24-hour operation. The system provides electronic links between customs and individual air cargo operators for the transfer of cargo data and customs clearance instructions, and to track the movement of consignments. This has speeded up processing and shortened the time taken for clearance.

Replacement of the department's Customs Control System was completed in September. The new system has enhanced processing capability and has much higher capacity. It contains a comprehensive database to facilitate customs control functions, to provide management information for intelligence and statistical analysis, and to enhance the efficiency of revenue collection.

A major computer system to support operations and controls at the land border was replaced by a more powerful and reliable machine. The new system came into operation in February 1998. It is able to cope with additional workload generated by increasing traffic flows and 24-hour operations at the border.

Performance Pledges

The department's fifth set of performance pledges was published, together with the department's vision, mission and value statements. These reinforce the department's commitment to quality service. For better public accountability, the department regularly reviews the quality of its services with three customer liaison groups connected with air freight, sea freight and dutiable commodities trade. A home page

295