Press Releases

SHWF visits Shenzhen

The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, Dr York Chow, this (June 27) afternoon met with the Director General of the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Mr Liu Shengli, in Shenzhen to further enhance his understanding of the inspection and quarantine work of Shenzhen and forge closer ties between the two places.

Upon arrival in Shenzhen, Dr Chow and his delegation met with Mr Liu Shengli and other senior officials. The two sides reviewed and exchanged views on safeguarding the safety of food for supply to Hong Kong and preventing the spread of infectious diseases across the boundary.

Both sides agreed to enhance the notification mechanism and closely liaise on major incidents involving quarantine of plants. In addition, the two places encouraged the active liaison and information exchange on outbreak of plant pests, interception of plant pests at checkpoints, and inspection and quarantine control of plants.

Dr Chow said: ��Shenzhen and Hong Kong checkpoints are those among the busiest in the world. Over 100 million visitor flow has been recorded since 2001. With closer economic ties between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the number of business, tourism and social visits are on the increase. The surge in visitor and flow of cargo, poultry, birds and plants has greatly increased the risk of infectious diseases spreading in the two places and other places through different channels.

"I am grateful to the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau for making great efforts in safeguarding the safety of food for supply to Hong Kong and preventing the spread of diseases across the boundary, thus effectively protecting the health of Hong Kong people."

Today, Dr Chow also visited the Lo Wu Boundary checkpoint to see for himself the operation of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) preventive measures. At the Man Kam To checkpoint, he also saw for himself the inspection work of live food for supply to Hong Kong.

Ends/Monday, June 27, 2005
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