December 13, 2006

Hong Kong not too worried over declining numbers of pig farmers

The voluntary licence surrender scheme for pig farmers in Hong Kong would not have a significant long-term effect on the local pig market, according to the Competition Policy Advisory Group.

The group believes that, due to the decline in the number of local pig farmers, there may be concern over insufficient competition and the emergence of a local monopoly.

The group pointed out however that there are still many substitutes to fresh pork such as chilled pork from China, which would maintain the competitiveness of the market.

Moreover, Hong Kong's Health, Welfare & Food Bureau would soon discuss with Mainland authorities the feasibility of opening up the live pig market.

Importing chilled pork from the Mainland would be a positive step for the local pork industry as it offers greater diversity of meat supply sources, the group said.