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The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, paid a courtesy call on the Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Mr Ai Xuefeng, in Shenzhen this morning (July 2) to exchange views and experience on issues of mutual concern, including avian influenza prevention and control in the two places as well as measures and plans for handling cremated human ashes.
Dr Ko learnt that the Shenzhen Municipal Government has, for the purpose of safeguarding public health, progressively designated restricted areas for live poultry operation in the city. Live poultry sales are banned in these areas. All poultry must be slaughtered centrally and then delivered and sold in the market in chilled form. He said that in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has, for public health considerations, commissioned a consultant to study the future of the live poultry trade and make recommendations. The public will be consulted on the consultant's recommendations.
At the meeting, Dr Ko also introduced the HKSAR Government's district-based columbarium development scheme, under which all districts collectively share the responsibility of developing columbaria. The Government has identified 24 potential sites in the 18 districts of Hong Kong for this purpose. He said that the overall development of crematoria and columbaria would proceed in accordance with the applicable legislation and government requirements. Appropriate mitigation measures will be carried out to minimise the impacts of the projects on the neighbourhood. He added that in taking forward the development projects, the HKSAR Government will continue to listen to and take into account the views of the relevant sectors for striking an appropriate balance among the concerns and views of different stakeholders.
Dr Ko said he hoped that the two sides could continue to maintain close liaison and foster mutual exchanges and co-operation.
Dr Ko returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Ends/Thursday, July 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:38
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