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"If residents locate these problems in their buildings, they should immediately consult the Buildings Department for follow-up action. Our 24-hour hotline is 26261234.
"To protect their own life and property, residents should employ professionals to carry out timely repair and maintenance works to their buildings.
"The Government is drafting a legislation requiring property owners to carry out mandatory inspection to their buildings to ensure public safety. This will be released for public consultation when the proposals are finalised," Mr Cheung said.
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STI concludes official visit to China
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The Secretary for Trade and Industry, Miss Denise Yue, returned to Hong Kong tonight (Tuesday) after a two-day official visit to Beijing.
"I have gained a better understanding of the work of those Chinese government bodies involved in trade and industry," Miss Yue said.
"I have also had very useful exchange of view on matters of mutual interest with Chinese officials in these organisations.
"We have discussed among other things, ways to strengthen co-operation between China and Hong Kong on, for example, protection of intellectual property rights and the industrial application of science and technology.
"We have also exchanged views on the renewal of China's most-favoured- nation trading status in the United States."
This was Miss Yue's first official visit to Beijing after she became Secretary for Trade and Industry last November.
Miss Yue led a delegation of six comprising officials from the Trade and Industry Branch, Trade Department and Industry Department.