Coronavirus: Hong Kong to consider transporting fresh goods by sea from mainland China, ‘could import 70 per cent of original volume for vegetables’
- Trial operation for shipping fresh goods by sea from Shekou port in Shenzhen to Tuen Mun and Kwai Tsing container terminals under way, industry leader Oscar Chan says
- Measures can be implemented within a week if Hong Kong government gives the green light, he adds
Hong Kong could ease the crunch in fresh food supplies by transporting goods from mainland China by sea, a method which could bring in about 70 per cent of the original volume for vegetables, industry leaders have said.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor revealed earlier on Tuesday that the government was considering importing fresh food from the mainland by sea.
“Residents do not need to be overanxious, I urge everyone to remain confident,” Lam said. “Let’s work together to combat the virus.”
Industry leaders on Tuesday said shipping fresh goods from the mainland by sea was feasible as that was how the city had its food delivered years ago, until the method was replaced by road transport.
Citing a mainland shipping contractor familiar with the matter, Hong Kong Vegetable Union vice-president Oscar Chan Nga-leung said he understood that the fresh goods would be transported by sea from Shekou port in Shenzhen to the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal and Kwai Tsing Container Terminals.
The arrangement was supported by the central and Shenzhen governments, he said.