Hong Kong and the Mainland will have closer ties on the supply of poultry products with the signing of a liaison agreement today, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

The agreement was signed by Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau and the Ministry of Commerce Department of Foreign Trade's Deputy Director-General Jiang Fan in Beijing.

Both sides will hold meetings to exchange views and suggestions on issues of mutual concern, and will assign designated liaison officers to maintain direct contact.

Secure supply

Dr Chow said the pact will boost communication and help strengthen work in safeguarding supply of food products, food animals and poultry. It will also enable a stable food supply to Hong Kong.

"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 co-operation and liaison between Mainland and Hong Kong authorities to address such concerns," he said.

Dr Chow also met Vice-Minister of Commerce An Min and discussed issues on food as well as exported food animals and poultry. He also exchanged views on welfare services with the Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs Jiang Li.