What they say

"The development of modern border-crossing procedures is key to improve connectivity between nations and continents, which fosters economic growth and job creation."

Chiristian Friis Bach, under-secretary-general and executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

"The decision of our Chinese partners to convene customs directors of the countries of the Silk Road Economic Belt at a forum is a remarkable initiative that shifts our customs partnership to a new level.

The customs administrations should be on the frontline of these developments for our very actions make for unhampered and secure movement of goods."

Sergey Komlichenko, deputy head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia

"I believe that the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative is a strategic concept that will change the global economy and redistribute economic and political resources in a new way, especially in the countries of Central Asia.

Kazakhstan is ready to jointly build up the economic belt of the Silk Road on the basis of mutual benefits."

D. Ergozhin, chairman of the State Revenues Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan

"The theme of the forum, Connectivity and Win-Win Development, reflects the current role and responsibilities of customs administrations around the world."

Khazali Ahmad, director-general of Malaysia Customs Department

(China Daily 05/27/2015 page7)