Story highlights Hong Kong will "phase out the local ivory trade", says Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying

The city is the "dark heart of the ivory trade," activists say

At present, campaigners say the legal ivory trade masks illegal smuggling and poaching

Hong Kong (CNN) Activists have hailed the announcement that Hong Kong will phase out the sale of ivory in the city, a major bastion of the trade.

Speaking during his annual policy address Wednesday, Hong Kong's leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, said the government will "take steps to ban totally the sale of ivory in Hong Kong," adding that it would "impose heavier penalties on smuggling and illegal trading of endangered species."

"We're absolutely delighted, this is fantastic news," said Alex Hofford of WildAid Hong Kong, which has long campaigned against the trade in the city.

Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat, who has long pushed for a complete ban, said she urged the government "to execute this commitment without delay."

"I'm also calling on all Hong Kong people to strongly support this... policy and see it through to the end."

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