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"The best way to prevent the occurrence of these accidents is to carry out regular building maintenance and repair works.

"If building owners or occupants have identified some irregularities in their buildings, such as spalled concrete, structural cracks with stains, or loose or bulging rendering, they should immediately engage building professionals to carry out proper repair works.

"It is also important that old buildings are inspected regularly. Building professionals can do a lot to help and I suggest that building owners seriously consider seeking professional services in building inspections." Mr Cheng said.

End

Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong Principal Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Mr David Lan, extended a warm welcome to the forthcoming visit to Hong Kong later this month by the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Yukihiko Ikeda, when he called on Mr Ikeda's office today (Monday).

Extending the welcome on behalf of Hong Kong, Mr Lan told the Foreign Minister that: "We are very happy that you are visiting Hong Kong during this important period of Hong Kong's transition.

"You will notice that Hong Kong is looking positively towards the change of sovereignty next year, and when you are in Hong Kong you can feel the vitality and high spirit of Hong Kong people."

Mr Ikeda told Mr Lan that he was looking forward to discussing various aspects of Hong Kong's transition with the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan.

The Foreign Minister was also quoted as noting that: "The continuing stability and prosperity of Hong Kong as the regional trade and financial centre is of vital importance not only to China or Japan, but also for Asia as well as Hong Kong's trading partners throughout the world."