China beefs up agricultural product supply to Macau, HK

China’s Ministry of Commerce has designated Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces as the reserve bases to meet the needs of agricultural products for Hong Kong and Macau residents in case of emergencies, a spokesperson said last week.

The move aims to cope with abrupt disastrous weather and ensure the supply of agricultural products to the two regions during the upcoming Spring Festival, said the ministry spokesperson, Gao Feng, at a press conference.

According to a Xinhua report, a work team with officials from the Ministry and other departments will go to Hong Kong and Macau before the Spring Festival to communicate with the regional governments and relevant industries as well as to make arrangements on the supply in wholesale and retail markets, he noted.

Gao Feng said the Ministry had proposed five measures to ensure steady supply when necessary, including strictly guarding against African swine fever, increasing sources of agricultural products, activating emergency plans, making timely adjustments and strengthening communication and coordination among affected parties.