Empowering Local Agriculture and Fisheries with Expertise and Technology
Heralding a New Era of Sustainable Development
HONG KONG, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Uni-China Group (hereafter “the Group”) officially announced the launch of its flagship innovative initiative, the “Hong Kong Farmland” Brand Program. This demonstrates the Group’s full commitment to the future development of Hong Kong’s agriculture and fisheries industries and aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, which emphasizes advancing agricultural and rural modernization, as well as the HKSAR Government’s Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, optimizing supply chains, and implementing brand management, Uni-China Group is dedicated to advancing the modernization and sustainable development of the local agriculture and fisheries industries, revitalizing native resources and providing citizens with high-quality, healthy, value-for-money, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly locally produced agricultural and fisheries products, thus opening a new chapter for the agriculture and fisheries industries.
Revolutionizing Traditional Operations and Building a Sustainable Industrial Chain
The “Hong Kong Farmland” Program upholds the principle of balancing development with conservation. It actively employs modern technologies to boost local production capacity, with the goal of establishing a comprehensive industrial value chain, from production and sales to logistics and brand development, thereby significantly enhancing the market competitiveness of local agricultural and fisheries products.
The program aims to establish “Made in Hong Kong” agricultural and fisheries products as symbols of superior quality and trustworthiness. This will inject strong momentum into the local economy while creating a new industry model that delivers both economic benefits and social value.
As a major step toward realizing the Blueprint, Uni-China Group has secured the HKSAR Government’s deep-sea aquaculture project in the Mirs Bay (South) New Fish Culture Zone and has been officially granted an Approval In Principle Letter for Marine Fish Culture License by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Centered on advanced deep-sea aquaculture technology, the project will cultivate high-quality fish species in pristine waters.
With the official launch of the new “Hong Kong Farmland” brand, Uni-China Group is dedicated to providing Hong Kong citizens with premium, healthy, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly local agricultural and fisheries products. The brand seeks to create a clear, easily recognizable identity, enabling consumers to readily identify and trust high-quality local products while accessing fresh, superior-value items through convenient channels. At the same time, it harnesses market forces to revive Hong Kong’s long-declining agriculture and fisheries industries, driving sustainable industry development.
The landmark government-business collaboration in advancing the upgrade and transformation of the agriculture and fisheries industries was witnessed and jointly officiated by Mr. Tse Chin-wan, BBS, JP, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Mr. Lai Kin-ming, JP, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation; Mr. Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, GBM, GBS, JP, Executive Council Member; Mr. Shiu Ka-fai, BBS, JP, Legislative Council Member; Mr. Chan Pok-chi, MH, JP, Legislative Council Member; Mr. Au Yeong Chi, Executive Chairman of the Association of Hong Kong Agricultural Development and Construction; Mr. Cheung Siu-keung, Chairman of Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium; Mr. Jackie Ling, Chairman of Uni-China Group; and Mr. James Ling, MH, Vice Chairman of Uni-China Group.
Government and Business Join Forces to Drive Transformation and Upgrade
Through the “Hong Kong Farmland” Program, Uni-China Group is committed to achieving the sustainable development goals for Hong Kong’s agriculture and fisheries industries, while enhancing the self-sufficiency rate of local products. This not only ensures citizens enjoy fresh, safe local produce and helps position Hong Kong as a hub for high-quality food supply, but it also creates employment and innovation opportunities for the younger generation, supporting Hong Kong’s economic diversification.
Mr. Jackie Ling, Chairman of Uni-China Group, stated, “Rooted in Hong Kong for 25 years, Uni-China Group has remained dedicated to fresh food retail and industry revitalization. The launch of the “Hong Kong Farmland” Brand Program represents a major step in giving back to society and promoting local agriculture and fisheries. The Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan clearly emphasizes advancing agricultural and rural modernization, transforming agriculture into a modern large-scale industry. Uni-China Group will fully align with the development strategies of the Nation and the HKSAR Government by introducing expertise and advanced technologies, and leveraging our robust retail network to build a complete value chain from production and cold-chain logistics to retail and brand development, delivering premium local agricultural and fisheries products to Hong Kong citizens. Moving forward, we will continue to collaborate closely with the Government and industry partners to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong’s agriculture and fisheries industries, creating broader prospects for all stakeholders.”
Vast Market Potential Awaits Exploration
According to 2024 data from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department , local capture fisheries production reached approximately 92,000 tonnes (valued at HK$2.4 billion), while marine fish culture production stood at only 626 tonnes (valued at HK$66 million). Combined local output accounted for about 20% of Hong Kong’s total seafood consumption. Yet demand remains exceptionally high, with annual imports averaging over 350,000 tonnes, highlighting enormous untapped potential in the local market.
The “Hong Kong Farmland” Program is poised to fill this gap, aiming to significantly increase local production value and inject billions of dollars into the sector, boosting new economic vitality.
Source: www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/agriculture.pdf
Table1: Production and Value of Local Fisheries Products from Culture and Capture
|
Category |
2022 |
2024 |
|||
|
Production (Tonnes) |
Value (HK$) |
Production (Tonnes) |
Value (HK$) |
||
|
Culture |
Pond Fish |
2,073 |
– |
1,349 |
37 million |
|
Marine Fish |
587 |
– |
626 |
66 million |
|
|
Oyster |
104 |
– |
114 |
16 million |
|
|
Total |
2,764 |
130 million |
2,089 |
119 million |
|
|
Capture |
Marine Fish |
71,724 |
– |
86,466 |
1,940 million |
|
Shellfish |
5,476 |
– |
5,787 |
464 million |
|
|
Total |
77,200 |
2,170 million |
92,253 |
2,404 million |
|
|
Total |
79,964 |
2,300 million |
94,342 |
2,523 million |
|
Table2: Annual Consumption of Fisheries Produces and
Local Share on Consumption of Fisheries Produces
|
Category |
2022 |
2024 |
||
|
Annual Consumption of Fisheries Produces (Tonnes) |
Local Share on Consumption of Fisheries Produces by Category |
Annual Consumption of Fisheries Produces (Tonnes) |
Local Share on Consumption of Fisheries Produces by Category |
|
|
Pond Fish |
45,053 |
4.6 % |
34,384 |
3.9 % |
|
Marine Fish |
106,248 |
26.8 % |
88,030 |
35.2 % |
|
Shellfish |
85,984 |
5.2 % |
87,133 |
5.3 % |
|
Total |
237,287 |
15 % |
209,547 |
18 % |
Uni-China Group looks forward to the “Hong Kong Farmland” Program becoming a model for the transformation of Hong Kong’s agriculture and fisheries sector, bringing more fresh and safe local choices, and contributing to the sustainable growth of Hong Kong’s economy.
Mr. Tse Chin-wan, BBS, JP, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology(1st from right) and Mr. Jackie Ling, Chairman of Uni-China Group(1st from left), witnessed Mr. Lai Kin-ming, Mickey, JP, the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation(2nd from right) presenting the Notices of Approval-in-principle for Marine Fish Culture Licence to Mr. James Ling, MH, the Vice Chairman of Uni-China Group(2nd from left).
About Uni-China Group
Uni-China Group has been rooted in Hong Kong for 25 years, consistently building its foundation on the local business landscape and playing a pivotal role in the operations and management across various sectors. From a single commercial entity, the Group has evolved into a diversified enterprise, steadfastly upholding the principle of achieving excellence through perseverance. The Group’s operations span a wide range of industries, including asset appreciation, retail, food trading, food and beverages, as well as digital businesses. Currently, it manages approximately 1,000 sales points in Hong Kong, holding leadership positions across multiple sectors while playing a key role in promoting traditional culture and driving future development. Uni-China Group employs around 5,000 staff, with the entire team dedicated, professional, and committed to pursuing excellence in every aspect. The Group will continue to advance sustainable development in its business scope and community services, fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and maintaining its leading position in the industry.