BEIJING — China’s Ministry of Commerce has designated Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces as the reserve bases to meet the needs of Hong Kong and Macao residents for agricultural products in case of emergencies, a spokesperson said on Jan 24.

The move aims to cope with abrupt disastrous weather and ensure the supply of agricultural products to the two regions during the upcoming Spring Festival, said Gao Feng at a regular press conference.

A work team with officials from the ministry and other departments will go to Hong Kong and Macao before the Spring Festival to communicate with the regional governments and relevant industries and make arrangements on the supply in wholesale and retail markets, he noted.

He said the ministry had proposed five measures to ensure steady supply when necessary, including strictly guarding against African swine fever, increasing sources of agricultural products, activating emergency plans, making timely adjustments and strengthening communication and coordination.