On the 30th, Hong Kong Customs and the Peruvian Customs and Taxation Bureau signed a mutual recognition arrangement regarding their respective "Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programs". This is the first mutual recognition arrangement signed between Hong Kong Customs and the South American region, marking an important step forward in strengthening commercial cooperation between the two places. The Hong Kong AEO program was officially launched in 2012. The mutual recognition arrangement signed this time has increased the number of mutual recognition arrangements signed between Hong Kong Customs and other customs organizations to 18. The remaining 17 customs organizations that have signed mutual recognition arrangements with Hong Kong include mainland China, India, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Macau, Bahrain, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. Under the mutual recognition arrangement, AEOs from both regions can enjoy customs clearance convenience measures provided by the customs of both regions, including reduced inspections and priority clearance. (New Society)