INTERPOL's 20th Asian Regional Conference held in Hong Kong in March called for more regional action and increased use of INTERPOL tools and services to combat transnational crime, including terrorism and child sex tourism.

Delegates from 32 countries throughout Asia, the South Pacific and the Middle East recommended that INTERPOL's member countries undertake more regional operations and make more efficient use of INTERPOL Notices and databases, particularly in efforts to trace and apprehend child sex offenders - whether in their country of origin or the country in which they have committed crimes.

"Crimes which transcend national boundaries require actions and solutions which can only be achieved by acting at institutional, transnational level rather than by any individual country," said INTERPOL's Vice-President for Asia and Conference Chairman, Mr. Boon Hui Khoo.

"INTERPOL's role is to ensure that international cooperation between law enforcement agencies is translated into effective action on the ground", said Mr. Khoo.

The conference - held by the INTERPOL Hong Kong, China, sub-bureau of the National Central Bureau (NCB) China - called on NCBs in the Asian region to encourage national law enforcement agencies to regularly consult and update INTERPOL's databases and extend their use to border police, investigative units, and customs and intelligence agencies.

The INTERPOL of the 21st Century has repeatedly demonstrated its importance in helping law enforcement agencies in its member countries bring dangerous suspected international criminals to justice.