MUMBAI: The Motion Picture Association (MPA) today received a Certificate of Merit from the World Customs Organization (WCO) in recognition of its outstanding contribution over the past years in collaborating with the Hong Kong Customs in IPR protection in Hong Kong. MPA was one of the four organizations recognized for the said contribution.

Six non-government organizations were recognized at the presentation ceremony for International Customs Day 2010. A total of ten Certificates of Merit were presented to the private sector representatives and Hong Kong Customs officers on behalf of World Customs Organization by Rita Lau Ng Wai-lan, JP, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.

In 1984, the WCO designated 26January International Customs Day with the aim of fostering closer working relationships among Customs authorities and promoting international trade. The theme for International Customs Day 2010 is Customs and business: improving performance through partnership and the award of Certificates of Merit recognizes the importance of the partnership between customs organizations and private sector stakeholders in facilitating and safeguarding world trade.

"The choice of the theme and the decision to award WCO certificates of merit to outside individuals and organizations does net only represent a new development in the WCO. It also represents a recognition that through building partnerships with the business community, we could achieve better Customs compliance through less regulation, creating a win-win situation for all," said Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department commissioner Richard Yuen Ming-fai, JP.

"The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department is renowned throughout the region for its professionalism and dedication. It is an honor for MPA to have its contribution recognized by this award from the World Customs Organization," said MPA president and managing director Asia Pacific Mike Ellis.

"I am very proud to accept this honor on behalf of MPA. Effective IPR protection requires a good strategic partnership between all stakeholders and we have been very fortunate in Hong Kong to have the support of such a professional and efficient partner as the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. I look forward to a continued excellent working relationship with Commissioner Yuen and all his staff," said MPA Asia Pacific director of operations (Greater China) Sam Ho.