ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Hong Kong customs have signed a cooperative arrangement for mutual administrative assistance and information exchange, as well as surveillance of suspected consignments and persons.

The framework will also cover mutual assistance in enforcing the respective customs laws of the two sides. A virtual signing ceremony was held at the Federal Board of Revenue headquarters on Friday.

Member Customs Operation Shakeel Shah co-chaired the ceremony.

Following the signing, two copies of the instrument were exchanged between the Head of Hong Kong Customs and the Consul General of Pakistan in Hong Kong, formally completing the signing process.

The cooperative arrangement provides the customs administrations of both countries with a structured framework for enhanced cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters.

The arrangement reflects internationally recognised standards of customs cooperation promoted by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and reaffirms the shared commitment of both customs administrations to strengthening customs enforcement and securing the international trade supply chain.

Shakeel Shah said that the enhanced cooperation between the two countries, including customs, would go a long way towards fostering a long-term institutional relationship and enabling them to effectively address emerging challenges in the field of customs. He emphasised that the arrangement would contribute to optimal revenue collection and effective trade facilitation.

He further assured Hong Kong Customs of Pakistan Customs’ continued cooperation in all areas of mutual assistance and collaboration.

The signing of the cooperative arrangement marks an important step towards strengthening bilateral customs cooperation, enhancing the exchange of customs-related information and intelligence, and promoting a secure and facilitative international trading environment.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026