Press Releases

Mainland and HK agree on live pig imports

The Food and Health Bureau and the Ministry of Commerce today (July 20) reached in-principle consensus on the opening up of live pig supply to Hong Kong and the setting up of pig farms by local pig farmers on the Mainland, to help ensure the stable supply and quality of live pigs.

The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said the two sides agreed to add Guangnan Hong as another agent apart from Ng Fung Hong to import live pigs directly from the Mainland and to compete fairly with Ng Fung Hong.

"Both sides also agreed in principle to add a third agent, and welcome Hong Kong people to form a company in Hong Kong to compete with the other two agents in importing live pigs.

"The Ministry of Commerce supported local pig farmers to invest in the operation of pig farms on the Mainland, but the farms must comply with the relevant food safety, bio-security and environmental requirements on the Mainland. These farms can export pigs to Hong Kong directly through their selected agents," Dr Chow said.

The two sides would study and work out details of the two measures as soon as possible to facilitate early implementation. The bureau will also discuss with Ng Fung Hong and Guangnan Hong about the detailed arrangements as soon as possible.

"The tight supply of live pigs on the Mainland this time has triggered the restructuring of the market. We would like to thank the co-ordination and support of the relevant authorities of the Central People's Government, in particular the Ministry of Commerce which has adopted an open, serious and proactive approach in dealing with the issues related to live pig supply, and made very positive and constructive responses," Dr Chow said.




Ends/Friday, July 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:11

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