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The Ministry of Commerce and the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (December 10) signed a liaison agreement, which will encourage closer notification and liaison for poultry products for supply to Hong Kong.

Signing the liaison agreement were the Deputy Director-General, Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Ms Jiang Fan; and the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau.

Under the liaison mechanism of the agreement, the two sides will hold meetings when necessary to exchange views and suggestions on issues of mutual concern. Each side will assign designated liaison officers to maintain direct contact.

Speaking after witnessing the signing ceremony, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, noted the liaison agreement would enhance the communication of the relevant departments of both sides in their daily work. It would also help strengthen the work of the two sides in safeguarding the supply of food products, food animal and poultry as well as enabling a stable food supply to Hong Kong, he said.

"The signing of the agreement is timely with the surging public aspiration for a higher standard of food quality, supply and safety. The agreement will undoubtedly bring closer cooperation and liaison between Mainland and Hong Kong authorities to address such concerns," he added.

Before signing the liaison agreement, Dr Chow had a meeting with the Vice-Minister of Commerce, Mr An Min, to discuss issues on food as well as exported food animals and poultry.

In the morning, Dr Chow also met with the Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs, Ms Jiang Li, to exchange views on the welfare services of the two places.

Dr Chow was on a two-day visit to Beijing on December 9 and 10 to enhance cooperation with the Mainland on food safety, food supply and welfare issues. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau; the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Gregory Leung; the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan; Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Agnes Allcock; and Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Lau Sin-pang.

Ends/Friday, December 10, 2004

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