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The State Administration for Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ SA) and the Environment and Food Bureau (EFB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (September 26) signed a set of minutes which lays down the foundation for strengthening co-operation on food safety, animal and plant quarantine and inspection.

Signing the minutes today were the Chief Administrator of CIQ SA, Mr Li Changjiang, and the Secretary for the Environment and Food, Mrs Lily Yam.

With the signing of the minutes, EFB and CIQ SA confirm the common objective of protecting public health and preventing the spread of animal and plant diseases and pests.

Mr. Li said that the CIQ SA had long been making strenuous efforts in assuring Hong Kong people the safety of their food provisions.

He hoped that following the signing of the minutes, both parties would further continue their efforts in yielding better results.

At the same ceremony, the Secretary for the Environment and Food, Mrs. Yam said: "The inspection and quarantine authorities in the Mainland and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the HKSAR have been working closely together and both sides will continue to cooperate and communicate on related issues."

"The increased co-operation and closer communication will enhance our ability in facing the ever-increasing challenges in food safety," she added.

Officers of the FEHD and AFCD and the Guangdong and Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureaux will meet regularly to discuss operational matters.

The CIQ SA is the Mainland authority in the field of entry-exit health and quarantine, animal and plant quarantine and commodity inspection. It plays an important role in ensuring that animals, plants and food produced for the HKSAR meet the necessary safety and health requirements.

Other guests present at today's signing ceremony were: the Director General of the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Ms Zhang Shurong; the Director General of the General Office of CIQ SA, Mr Xiang Yuzhang; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mrs Lessie Wei; and Acting Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Miss Janet Wong.

END/Tuesday, September 26, 2000

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