ENG-2002 — Page 394

PUBLIC ORDER

326

the procurement of two sets of a hi-tech Mobile X-ray Vehicle Scanning System in August 2001. This equipment has been deployed for use at the boundary control points and the container terminals to reinforce customs control. Two more sets of the Mobile X-ray Vehicle Scanning System will be procured to further enhance the means for combating smuggling.

A Special Unit under the department's Ship Search and Cargo Command, comprising 19 customs officers, was established in February to step up action against smuggling by means of river trading vessels mainly from the Pearl River Delta. Officers conducted surprise checks at cargo handling basins located along the coastlines.

The Customs continued to maintain close liaison with the Police Force and overseas law enforcement agencies in exchanging intelligence and this contributed considerably to the successful interdiction of smuggling activities. Enhanced cooperation with the Mainland authorities in exchanging information and mounting parallel operations at the land boundary crossing points continued to produce satisfactory results.

Training

All recruits to the Customs and Excise Department undergo basic training at the department's training school in Tai Lam Chung. Apart from induction training, the department provides local and overseas vocational training necessary for its staff to discharge their duties. During the year, staff received various types of in-house training, taking up 7841 training places, while 116 staff underwent training either overseas or in the Mainland. The department also organised training courses for the Mainland customs administrations as part of cooperative efforts. In 2002, a total of 88 officers from these Mainland administrations received training in Hong Kong.

In enhancing staff training and development, the department appointed in January a consultancy firm to conduct a study on the latest training and development needs of its customs officers. Based on the recommendations of the study, a Departmental Training Steering Committee was established to oversee the department's training policy to provide for the better development of its staff.

Information Technology

Since January, traders have been able to use electronic means in applying for dutiable commodities permits, a service that reduces processing time. During the year, an Information Systems Strategic Study on the department's IT infrastructure, and opportunities for further development over the next five years, was completed.

Application within the department of the Government's Office Automation Programme also entered its final stage. By mid-2003, all staff will have access to the department's common databases and the electronic mail system, and communication between various departmental offices will be further improved.

Performance Pledges

The department's ninth 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 the four customer liaison groups connected with the air freight, sea freight, cross-boundary transport and dutiable