A Japanese diplomat is urging Hong Kong to lift the 13-month-long import ban on aquatic products from 10 prefectures. Kenichi Okada, the country’s consul general, made the appeal after Beijing hinted at easing its own restrictions. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu called for access to scientific data before considering any changes to the ban.
Hong Kong currently prohibits aquatic products from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Tokyo and Fukushima. The Centre for Food Safety has increased radiation inspections on other Japanese seafood imports. Okada at the Japan Autumn Festival emphasized Hong Kong’s importance as a global destination for Japanese aquatic products.