Done deal: Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Stella Hung and Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality Director-General Renee Bergkamp sign the agreement on the protocol for the import and export of Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Event horses.

Hong Kong and the Netherlands have signed an agreement on the protocol for the import and export of Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Event horses.

The arrangement ensures imported horses are free from disease, and the smooth re-export of horses to their original countries after the events.

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow said it was a milestone in Hong Kong's preparation for the quarantine arrangements for the importation of horses competing in the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events.

"The execution of the operational arrangement will also set the stage for stronger links between Hong Kong and the Netherlands in the import and export of horses," he said.