APEC's 33rd Informal Leaders' Meeting is scheduled for November 18-19, 2026, in Shenzhen, with leaders, representatives from the business and media sectors, and other participants from various economies expected to attend. On November 5, deputy director-general of Hong Kong Customs, Hui Wai-yun, led a team in in-depth discussions with the senior leadership of the Shenzhen Customs. To ensure the safety and stability of customs operations during the event, the discussions focused on implementing a point-to-point communication mechanism, coordinating customs clearance, and addressing security matters. To enhance security and smooth operations, Hong Kong Customs plans to flexibly allocate personnel at customs points and make targeted law enforcement deployments during the meeting. Enhanced inspections are scheduled to combat various forms of illegal cross-border activities and prevent safety hazards from entering Shenzhen. Additionally, to address the challenges posed by increased flow of people and goods, customs officials will closely monitor situations at customs points and respond accordingly to ensure smooth operations and maintain order with local authorities.
Considering the proximity and shared border, cooperation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen customs has become increasingly important. Such regular interactions and coordination are crucial in ensuring the success of high-profile events like APEC meetings. By leveraging these ongoing exchanges, both customs agencies can strengthen their joint efforts in securing and facilitating efficient customs processes. This proactive approach underscores the importance of maintaining cross-border cooperation to meet the security requirements of major international gatherings.