To strengthen communication and exchange with the Mainland fisheries authorities, foster the management of Hong Kong mobile fishing vessels and sustainable development of fisheries, and co-ordinate affairs involving Hong Kong mobile fishermen, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Bureau of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture signed a Co-operation Arrangement on Hong Kong mobile fishing vessel matters today (June 29).

     The Arrangement was signed by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai, and the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Fisheries, Mr Liu Xinzhong, and witnessed by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, and Vice Minister of Agriculture Mr Yu Kangzhen.

     A spokesman from the AFCD said, "Currently there are about 2 000 local fishing vessels and ancillary fishing vessels operating in the South China Sea. The Arrangement will strengthen collaboration and exchange between Hong Kong and the Mainland on the development and management of Hong Kong mobile fishing vessels."

     Under the Arrangement, both sides will conduct exchanges on policies and measures of fisheries development and management through regular meetings and liaison officers. Both sides will also drive the exchange of information and data on managing mobile fishermen, co-ordinate on handling matters related to fisheries operations, and share experience on areas like conservation of fisheries resources.

Ends/Thursday, June 29, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:35

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