The mainland's Ministry of Commerce said yesterday the Hong Kong Agriculture Special Zone Development Association had beaten seven other firms in applying for permission to import live pigs into the SAR.

It said the association was selected on the basis of its capital and financial status, communication channels, networking and creditability.

Secretary for Food and Health York Chow Yat-ngok welcomed the decision, saying the addition of one more importer will help ensure stable pork prices and supplies.

"Since there's now more than one importer, there'll be healthy competition in the market," he said.

However, Chow said the government is not planning any further expansion of the market.

Choi Chi-wai, chairman of the successful company, said he was glad the firm has been chosen as the third supplier. He said it will invest about HK$50 million on hog farms in the mainland.

"Initially, we plan to supply about 1,000 pigs to Hong Kong daily and the amount will be increased later," he said.