Customs from both Macau and mainland China have signed two deals on Wednesday.
The agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in combating smuggling in Macau’s maritime jurisdiction, as well as simplify procedures for tax-free exports.
Last December, the city was granted jurisdiction over 80 square kilometres of surrounding sea waters.
Though it was applauded as a key move for Macau’s development, the authorities admitted they would also face added security challenges.
Macau Customs signed two deals with its mainland China counterpart: a cooperation agreement on the prevention and fight against smuggling in Macau’s maritime jurisdiction, as well as a memorandum on how to handle Macau’s tax-free exports.
“We have a joint mechanism. As I’ve just introduced, we will share and exchange information. For the relevant situation, we would react according to the risk assessment,” said Customs Service director Alex Vong.
“Through the arrangement for cooperation, the management on water area is set. Through cooperation and arrangement, we will more accurately settle the communication mechanism. We also conclude the mechanism for joint operation,” he added.
The agreements aim to strengthen cooperation against smuggling crimes and to facilitate trade in goods.
(Macau News / TDM)
