Hong Kong and Thai customs authorities signed a document on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in fighting transnational crime.

Hong Kong Commissioner of Customs and Excise Timothy Tong and Thai Customs Director-General Sathit Limpongpan signed the document.

The arrangement marks the will and commitment of both administrations to fight against smuggling, drug trafficking, and protect intellectual property rights.

Hong Kong has so far signed similar agreements with New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Belgium, Canada, India and South Korea.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2006)