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Fishing industry's contribution important to HK's economy
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Law Cheung-kwok and a reply by the acting Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Leo Kwan, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
of the contribution of the fishing industry to the territory's economy as a whole;
(b)
of the general development of the local fishing industry in recent years;
(c)
of its policy on the provision of subsidies to the industry; and
Reply:
(d)
(a)
whether it has looked into the reasons why there is an absence of enterprise operating commercial fishing fleet on a large scale in the territory?
The fishing industry makes an important contribution to Hong Kong's economy in maintaining a steady supply of fresh marine fish to local consumers. In 1995, it produced an estimated 195,000 tonnes of fisheries produce valued at $2,150 million. Of this, about 123,000 tonnes were landed in Hong Kong, satisfying about 70% of local consumption of marine fish. A portion of the premium fish and processed products derived from the industry's catch are exported, earning some $1,200 million in 1995. The industry employs some 15,000 local workers and contributes to providing employment in ancillary sectors servicing the fishing industry, such as fish wholesale and retail marketing, fishing vessel construction and repair, fuel and fishing gear supply, ice manufacturing, cold storage and other victualling services.