Press Releases

SFH attends food supply working session in Guangzhou (with photos)

The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, attended a working session organised by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the People's Government of Guangdong Province this morning (February 2). The meeting discussed ways to minimise the impact of snowstorm on the Mainland on food supply to Hong Kong and to strengthen the ties and co-ordination between the government of the two places and relevant enterprises with a view to stabilising supply.

Dr Chow said that since the snowstorm started to hit the country, the Central People's Government has adopted contingency measures so as to reduce the impact of inclement weather on food supply to Hong Kong to the least extent. The Mainland authorities and the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have been maintaining close liaison during this period. Mainland food supply to Hong Kong remains stable.

For examples, live pig supply maintained at a level of about 4000 heads per day and the price has been stable. A stable supply in freshwater fish, eggs and fruits was seen despite a 10 to 20 per cent increase in prices. The hit was harder on vegetable production and cattle. Overall speaking, the market flow is smooth and steady, with the food supply meeting the demand.

He said, "At the time when the Central People's Government is waging an all-out war against the snow disaster, the Central People's Government is still very concerned about a stable food supply to Hong Kong. On behalf of the Hong Kong people, I would like to thank the strenuous support given by Premier Wen Jiaobao, the Central People's Government, provincial and municipal governments. My special thanks go to the MoC, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the People's Government of Guangdong Province. I also give my dearest regards to my fellow countrymen.

"Amid the worst snow disaster in a half-century and the advent of Spring Festival, the food supply on the Mainland is tight and prices go up. As such, Hong Kong will be affected inevitably. I believe Hong Kong people will understand that during this period of time, the supply of some foodstuffs may not be very stable and prices may be driven up. We are willing to overcome this difficult moment with our fellow countrymen and face the fluctuations in supply and price together.

"The Government of the HKSAR fully understands the importance of stable food supply to the stability of society. We will continue to maintain close liaison with relevant mainland authorities, food suppliers and importers in Hong Kong in a bid to stablise the food supply in Hong Kong.

"We also encourage importers in Hong Kong to strengthen cooperation with Mainland food suppliers and adopt flexible measures such as sourcing food from different channels while maintaining the principle of food hygiene and safety. This can solve the pressing problem and in the long run better prepare for stable food supply.

The parties concerned in the meeting agreed to maintain close cooperation to safeguard a stable food supply for Hong Kong. There will also be an improvement in notification between government of the two places to ensure timely exchange of information. The People's Government of Guangdong Province will set up a working group coordinating government departments and food traders to ensure a stable supply of food to Hong Kong.


Ends/Saturday, February 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 13:38

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