Bridge port boosts efficiency of fresh food exports

Exports of agricultural products through the port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has increased significantly since July thanks to implementation of a program enabling fresh food to be supplied to Hong Kong and Macao via the bridge at designated times.

Under the program, which took effect on July 1, fresh food products from the Chinese mainland, including fresh aquatic products, frozen meat, eggs, dairy products, fruits and vegetables are exported to the two special administrative regions via the bridge at night.

The value of exports of agricultural products through the port of the mega sea-crossing bridge reached 580 million yuan ($80.44 million) in July, an increase of 14.2 percent year-on-year, according to data from Customs authorities.

"The logistics advantages through the bridge have helped enable freshness at less cost for our vegetables being exported to Hong Kong," said Huang Jinbo, general manager of Zhuhai Yiyuan Import & Export Co.

The company, which is based in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, is mainly engaged in the processing and distribution of vegetables for Hong Kong and Macao.

Before implementation of the program, the company's business mainly targeted the Macao market. However, the export volume of vegetables supplied to Hong Kong has also steadily increased since July.

"The price of vegetables, along with time and shipping costs, would be less competitive in the Hong Kong market if they were transported from Zhuhai to the special administrative region through the port of Shenzhen," he said.

In response to the need for timeliness for fresh food and quick customs clearances, Customs officials at the bridge have taken a series of steps to improve efficiency.

"Based on previous experience, we have opened up a green channel for fresh food, with dedicated personnel coordinating customs clearances and inspections to achieve zero delays," said Ye Yingqiong, head of the fourth supervision department of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Customs, which is under the jurisdiction of Gongbei Customs in Zhuhai.

The bridge port, which opened in October 2018, has become the main departure port for supplies supporting people's daily needs from the western bank of the Pearl River to Hong Kong, Ye said.

Local customs authorities have encouraged enterprises to make early declarations to ensure fast inspections and release of goods, Ye said.