(17 March 2004, Hong Kong) Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited (Tradelink) and Guangdong Nanfang Haian Science & Technology Service Company Limited (Nangfang) jointly held today a Forum on "Speedy customs clearance for Hong Kong/Macau container vessels" at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The "China-Hong Kong Cargo Manifest Interface", jointly developed by Tradelink and Nangfang over the past two years, combining the "Speedy Customs Clearance System" for Hongkong/Macau small container vessels, have succeeded to accelerate customs clearance and procedures for small container vessels plying the waters of the Pearl River.

Against this backdrop, Tradelink and Nangfang organized the forum to promote the use of the Speedy customs clearance system. During the forum, Delegates from the transportation and trading sectors were expected to gain a better understanding of the policies relating to the system and actions they are required to take, and also how they can cooperate with the authorities on future developments, and contribute to the implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA).

Justin Yue, CEO of Tradelink, in his welcome speech, said, "We hope the forum can help delegates from various sectors -- trading, shipping, and the media -- to explore the issues from a fresh perspective, and arrive at a solution that can better serve the trading community."

Mr. He Li, Deputy Director General of Guangzhou Customs District of PRC, in his presentation titled Accelerating Shipping Services between Guangdong and Hong Kong with Innovation and Technology, pointed out, "A system fully utilizing modern information technology has revolutionized a 100-year-old customs management mode. The speedy customs clearance system for Hong Kong/Macau container vessels has completely changed the traditional model of customs' supervision and management, and brought economic benefits to all fields while improving the customs' efficiency."

Mr. Gu Song-min, President of Guangdong Nanfang Haian Science & Technology Service Company Limited announced that the speedy customs clearance system is now widely promoted and applied in the Guangdong province, and will be extended to other parts of PRC in future. "Our technical innovations have enhanced the customs clearance rate, and raised overall efficiency. Without doubt, it is a win-win scenario for all parties concerned. The enterprises will know this is the smart choice under such circumstances", he said.

To install the system or register for the use of the services, please call Tradelink sales hotline at 2599 1700.