Simon Chung says cost of joining the food truck scheme will not be cheap. Photo: RTHK
The Hong Kong Food Truck Association said the government should consider allowing import of food trucks from the United States or Europe to reduce the financial challenge of joining new food van scheme.
Given the requirements and the huge cost of setting up each truck, experts believe it will cost around HK$600,000 to run a food truck. But Commerce Secretary on Wednesday played down the cost factor, saying the licencing will depend more in their cooking ability than financial clout.
But the chief executive of the truck association, Simon Chung, the estimated budget of around HK$600,000 is about right as a van that has to comply with all the government regulations like fire resistance, air flow and other safety measures will not be cheap.
He said someone starting with a HK$300,000 loan will have to think carefully as they may able to buy a truck but not the kitchen equipment needed within that budget.
Chung said government should consider allowing import of food trucks from the United States or Europe. But he said currently trucks that are left-hand drive are not allowed here.
He said if this allowed, we can bring some used truck, remodel and refit this for use here. These trucks are beautiful and colourful and add charm to the scene, he added.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1251781-20160331.htm
