Press Releases

Exports of freshwater fish from Guangdong to HK resume today

A spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau (HWFB) announced today (December 15) that, after discussions with the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (GDCIQ), the Mainland freshwater fish trade agreed to resume exports to Hong Kong today. The first batch of Mainland freshwater fish was expected to arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow.

"The GDCIQ has completed comprehensive inspection and quarantine work. This is to ensure that freshwater fish from registered farms comply with the established safety requirements," the spokesman said.

He said that the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities had been maintaining close cooperation on the resumption of Mainland freshwater fish supply to Hong Kong, and working towards the common goal of facilitating the traders of the two places to resume normal operation.

The HWFB and GDCIQ met in Guangzhou earlier this week to exchange views on Mainland fish supply to Hong Kong and clarify some questions raised by the Mainland traders. Both sides agreed to strive for the resumption of freshwater fish supply to Hong Kong before the Winter Solstice, so that the public and the trade could enjoy the festive season.

The spokesman urged Hong Kong traders to import freshwater fish from Mainland registered farms to ensure food safety.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and other law enforcement departments would continue to mount operations to deter freshwater fish not accompanied with health certificates from entering Hong Kong.

"The Government is preparing to legislate for the registration of all cultured fish importers to enhance the protection of public health," he added.




Ends/Friday, December 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:45

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