Press Releases

SFH proposes relief measures for fishermen (with photos)

The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, today (July 5) met fishermen representatives led by legislator representing the agriculture and fisheries sector, Mr Wong Yung-kan, and had proposed three special measures to relieve the plight of fishermen in the face of high fuel prices.

"I understand that fishermen are concerned about the impact of soaring fuel prices on their business. After heeding the views of Mr Wong and fishermen representatives, the Government has put forward through the Fish Marketing Organisation relief measures in the hope of easing the fishing industry's burden so that they can continue to operate," Dr Chow said.

Dr Chow said the first measure is to waive the license fee of fishing vessels for one year. It is estimated that around 6000 fishing vessels (including vessels for capturing and transporting fishes as well as assisting mariculture raft operation) will be able to save about $180 to $5200 in license fees.

The second measure is to exempt the interest of the special loan for the fishing moratorium this year. Fishermen in need can enjoy zero interest rate for their loans.

Thirdly, the Government will relax the application criteria for the special loan for the fishing moratorium in 2008.

Currently, applicants are eligible only after repaying at least half of the principal of their loan of the previous year. Under the new arrangement, fishermen may apply for the loan of up to $150,000 after repaying at least one-sixth of the principal of their loan in the previous year.

Fishermen who have repaid over half of the principal of their loan in the previous year may apply for an additional loan, with the amount capped at one-third of the loan amount for the 2007 fishing moratorium. Together with the maximum special loan of $150,000, a fisherman may borrow up to $200,000.

Fishermen who have difficulties in repaying loans may apply to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for deferring repayment or restructuring repayment plan. AFCD will consider the circumstances of individual borrower in processing the applications.

The first two measures mentioned above will involve an expenditure of about $7 million to $8 million which will be shouldered by the Fish Marketing Organisation. The Government will seek the views of the Fish Marketing Advisory Board on the arrangements.

"AFCD will continue to assist in sustainable development of the fisheries industry through technical support," Dr Chow said.

The Government set up the Committee on Sustainable Fisheries, which comprises fishermen representatives, in December 2006. It is responsible for studying the long-term direction and goal of the fishing industry.

The Committee has reached a consensus on the broad direction in sustainable development of the fisheries industry and is now studying feasible measures. It is expected that the Committee would submit a report to the Food and Health Bureau in the third quarter this year.


Ends/Saturday, July 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:25

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