The opening ceremony of mid-term evaluation meeting for the WCO Operation DEMETER XII was held in Mauritius on July 6. Thirty-five representatives from African countries and international organizations attended the meeting to review the progress and assessed the effectiveness of the international joint law enforcement operation to combat the cross-border smuggling of solid waste. Ambassador Huang Shifang, Mr. Rohit Ramnawaz, Director-General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority, representatives of the World Customs Organization (WCO), and officials from the General Administration of Customs of China addressed the opening ceremony.

Ambassador Huang stated in her remarks that China remains firmly committed to high-standard opening up and actively supports Africa's industrialization and modernization, has now implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China. China stands ready to continue strengthening customs law enforcement cooperation with Mauritius, the WCO, and all relevant parties, enhance capacity building, jointly combat crimes such as the illegal transboundary movement of hazardous waste and make positive contributions to global sustainable development.