Timothy Tong, Commissioner of Customs and Excise of Hong Kong said here Friday that vigorous anti-piracy enforcement efforts must continue, or Hong Kong's streets could be flooded with counterfeit goods in no time.

He said "some people may think that nothing is easier to make a few quick dollars than to sell fake goods and it takes only a very small amount of money to start an outlet to do illicit business at," Tong said.

"But Hong Kong Customs will not make life easy for them," Tong pledged. "Because infringement of copyright impedes investment in innovation and is very bad for legitimate business."

Tong made the remarks while accompanying Executive Council Member Andrew Liao Cheung-sing to visit the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) and meet with Head of the Intellectual Property Investigation (Operations) Group Liu Cheung-shing for a better understanding of the Customs enforcement actions against piracy and counterfeiting activities .

Liu Cheung-shing said a persistent Customs crackdown over the years had led to a huge drop in the number of black spots for selling pirated discs in Hong Kong, from over 1,000 black spots in 1998 to the latest assessment of some 80 currently.

He said with joint efforts of the Intellectual Property Department, Travel Industry Council, Consumer Council, and other stakeholders, Customs would set up an "Alliance on Protection of Intellectual Property Rights" with copyright owners to enhance the effectiveness of Customs enforcement work.

Liu said his department will also step up enforcement action against counterfeiting activities through enhanced intelligence and various incentive schemes.

Liu said his department will also organize seminars and road shows to promote awareness and respect for intellectual property rights.

He said the extended work program aims to send a clear message to tourists and local shoppers that Hong Kong respects intellectual property rights and remains a shopping paradise for genuine goods.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2003)