Such cooperation has been particularly strengthened with the US, European Union, Japan and Hong Kong, officials said.

Last April, an action plan on IPR protection was inked among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

The efforts of Chinese customs have also been recognized domestically and internationally, officials said.

Last May, the World Customs Organization honored customs officials for their outstanding contribution in fighting counterfeit goods and piracy.

However, Gong said soaring trade volume has continued to put pressure on such enforcement.

Last year, China's imported and exported goods were valued at $2,173.3 billion, with a total of 2.4 billion tons of goods under customs inspection and management.

"Those infringing on IPR are adopting many new, hidden methods of avoiding customs supervision and crack downs, such as forging the names of goods, covering up trademarks and forging authorization documents," he said.

(China Daily April 29, 2008)