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Senior officials from the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources have visited the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Conghua Training Centre project and Sha Tin racecourse.

Their three-day visit last week saw the Australian officials meet with the Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to obtain an overview of the Conghua facilities and operations within the Equine Disease Free Zone and an understanding of the governance structure of the veterinary authorities of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

Officials also visited the stable complexes at Sha Tin and Happy Valley to obtain an understanding of Hong Kong racing and quarantine operations and the importance of international racing and the development of equestrian sports.

DAWR and AFCD officials reported that these preliminary discussions and ongoing exchange of information, including the development of action plans for risk assessment procedures and the liaison between the AFCD and Chinese Mainland veterinary authorities, were very positive.