Guangzhou's food supply to Hong Kong and Macao has jumped over 30% year on year in the first half of 2021, altogether weighing 0.1375 million tons with RMB 2.864 billion in value. The "green channel" is also accessible to the suppliers, enabling a faster customs clearance and hence, fresher food delivery.

(Photo / Liang Jucong)

Also, the Zhaoqing (Huaiji) distribution base for green agricultural by-products in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area (GBA) has for the first time realized local declaration of produce followed by a nonstop shipment to Hong Kong.

The Shaoguan distribution center, backed by relevant policy, has unprecedentedly exported vegetables to Malaysia, a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECP).

For now, Guangzhou customs has been sharpening the supervision on supply sources, including intensified management and risk assessment of registered animal farms, as well as providing information and instructions for enterprises throughout the process.

Special inspection is likewise carried out on key indicators of food quality such as microorganism detection of diary produce, pesticide residue and heavy metal examination of vegetables. With spot checks conducted at regular intervals, a more secure food supply and consumption in the GBA seems to be in the offing.

Beyond that, cooperation on food quality control within the GBA is making strides as well, with a new cooperation agreement having been signed in May.