Press Releases

Seminars on endangered species trading
Wednesday, October 27, 1999

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) today (Wednesday) invites traders to attend seminars on the proposed tightening of legislative control on artificially propagated plants and medicines using endangered species as ingredients.

The proposed new controls will be contained in the amendments to the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance.

Speaking on the new arrangements, a spokesman for the department said: "AFD had consulted representatives of local traders, including plant and Chinese medicine dealers, for their views on the proposed amendments.

"A reminder had been sent to related traders in June urging them to make necessary preparation for the implementation of the proposed control measures early next year."

total of three sections of seminars will be held on November 18 to help plants and traditional Chinese medicine traders to better understand the amendments.

Details of the three seminars are as follows:

* From 10 am to noon at the conference room, Henry G. Leong Yaumatei Community Centre (Cantonese);

* From 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm at the conference room, Henry G. Leong Yaumatei Community Centre (Cantonese); and

* From 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm at the department's headquarters at room 814, 8th Floor, Canton Road Government Offices, Kowloon (English).

Those who wish to attend the seminars should contact the Endangered Species Protection Division at 2733 2282 before November 5 for seats reservation.

Entry coupon will be issued and mailed to interested parties before November 13.