The Environment & Ecology Bureau and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a co-operation agreement to further enhance co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangdong in respect of the equine industry and the export of Hong Kong aquatic products to the Mainland.

The MOU on Supporting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Equine Industry Development will further enhance co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in quarantine and customs clearance arrangements of horses, forage feed, biological products, etc; support the construction and development of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Conghua Racecourse, and deepen co-operation and exchanges in the field of laboratory technology between the two sides.

Whereas the Cooperation Agreement on the Requirements of Inspection, Quarantine & Hygiene of Hong Kong Aquaculture Products Exported to the Mainland will expand the variety of Hong Kong cultured aquatic products to be exported to the Mainland, and set out clearer inspection, quarantine and hygiene requirements for the related cultured aquatic products, as well as establish a co-operation mechanism.

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan said the MOU will further enhance the exchanges and co-operation between the equine industries of Hong Kong and Guangdong and contribute to the transformation and upgrading of the country's equine industry.

He added that the agreement will help Hong Kong's aquaculture industry explore the Mainland market, in line with the Government's Blueprint for Sustainable Development of Agriculture & Fisheries to expand the sales outlets of fisheries products for the aquaculture industry and promote its sustainable development.