At the invitation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, will attend the opening ceremony of the Conghua Training Centre (CTC) in Conghua, Guangdong, tomorrow (August 28).
      
     Professor Chan said, "With the support and assistance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Mainland authorities, the HKJC has successfully developed the CTC. The two places have been working closely on optimising the procedures of customs clearance, inspection and quarantine of horses, and ensuring the long-term high health status of horses moving into and out of the Conghua Equine Disease Free Zone. The CTC will become an important support base for Hong Kong racehorses, and in the long run will help promote the development of equine sports and related industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
      
     The Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Food), Mr Philip Yung, and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai, will accompany Professor Chan.
      
     Professor Chan will depart for Conghua this afternoon (August 27) and return to Hong Kong tomorrow evening. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Chui Tak-yi, will be the Acting Secretary for Food and Health.

Ends/Monday, August 27, 2018
Issued at HKT 14:00

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