The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) formally adopted the outcome report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on China (including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)) today (March 15, Geneva time).
 
     The UPR Working Group of the UNHRC held a review meeting on November 6 last year to examine the third report submitted by China (covering Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions), and adopted the review report on China on November 9.  The report was further discussed at the meeting of UNHRC today.  A team of HKSAR Government officials, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, attended the meeting as part of China delegation.
 
     The Head of the Chinese delegation is Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Le Yucheng.  Mr Cheung spoke at the meeting in his capacity as deputy head of the delegation.
 
     Mr Cheung said that the HKSAR Government had been successfully implementing "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in strict accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of the HKSAR with the full support of the Central People’s Government since 1997. Human rights and freedom in Hong Kong are fully protected by the Basic Law, Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and others.
 
     "We are determined to safeguard the rule of law and freedom.  They are the core values of Hong Kong and cornerstone of our long-term prosperity and stability.  Judicial independence is guaranteed by the Basic Law and firmly underpins the rule of law.  The power of final adjudication of Hong Kong is vested in our Court of Final Appeal, which may invite judges from other common law jurisdictions to sit on it.  Hong Kong ranks first in Asia in terms of judicial independence.  We are also one of the world’s safest cities," he said.
 
     Mr Cheung pointed out that Hong Kong was a vibrant, highly open and international city.  The Heritage Foundation of the United States has ranked Hong Kong the world’s freest economy for 25 consecutive years.
 
     "We will continue to build a caring, inclusive and fair Hong Kong by investing heavily in social services, improving people’s livelihood, enhancing children’s well-being and protecting the rights of all workers.”
 
     "'One country, two systems’ has proven a successful innovation.  We are committed to upholding the principle of 'one country' whilst leveraging our unique advantages under 'two systems'.  We will seize the immense opportunities of the national Belt and Road Initiative and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development to propel Hong Kong forward," Mr Cheung said.
 
     A Government spokesperson said that the report of the UPR Working Group covered a total of 346 recommendations made by Member States for China.  Among them, two concerning China (covering HKSAR and Macao SAR), and another four concerning HKSAR. After careful consideration, the HKSAR Government stated its position on each of the recommendations which was subsequently incorporated into the Addendum of the report.
 
     Representatives of 13 Member States and 10 non-governmental organisations spoke at the plenary meeting of the UNHRC.  After discussion, the UNHRC formally adopted the outcome report of the Working Group on the UPR on China.

The following is issued on behalf of the Air Transport Licensing Authority:
      
     Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) has been following up on the financial situation of Hong Kong Airlines Limited (HKA) in accordance with the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations  (Cap. 448 Subsidiary Legislation A) (the Regulations).  ATLA had considered the information previously submitted by HKA, and decided after the meeting today (March 15) to request HKA to submit a concrete plan with a view to improving its financial situation shortly. ATLA will review the financial improvement plan to be submitted by HKA in accordance with the Regulations and take appropriate actions under the Regulations when necessary.
      
     In addition, HKA has provided an explanation to ATLA regarding the claims against HKA for recovery of arrears filed in the court on February 22, 2019. ATLA has requested HKA to continue to report the progress of the claims in a timely manner and will take appropriate actions under the Regulations when necessary.

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers 44th Annual Dinner this evening (March 15):
 
Ringo (President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Mr Ringo Yu), Rocky (Vice-Chancellor and President of Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Rocky Tuan), Professor Tan (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Professor Tan Tieniu), Mr Yang (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Yang Yirui), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening.
 
     It is a pleasure to join you tonight on this special occasion – the 44th annual dinner of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.
 
     This is a most welcome opportunity for me to thank you all, the engineering profession, for everything you've done over the years and the decades in building Hong Kong into one of the world's great global cities. And of course, to remind you of all you'll have to do, over the coming years and decades, if Hong Kong is to remain a great global city.
 
     Last year was certainly a banner year for Hong Kong's infrastructure development, and you – our engineering sector. Two superlative transport links – the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge – began operation.
 
     Together, they greatly enhance Hong Kong's connectivity with the Mainland, in particular the Greater Bay Area.  
 
     And, let me add, just last month the Central – Wan Chai Bypass was fully commissioned. That significantly eases the traffic problems that had long plagued parts of the Hong Kong Island.
 
     The planning and implementation of these formidable infrastructure developments required world-class project management capabilities.
 
     The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is the world's longest bridge-and-tunnel sea crossing. The Hong Kong Link Road leading to it encompasses a viaduct, tunnel and at-grade road following the east coast of the Hong Kong International Airport. Moreover, an artificial island was built to accommodate the boundary-crossing facilities.
 
     The engineers involved had to overcome daunting construction challenges, including frequent typhoons, criss-crossing navigation and environmental issues. Particular attention was paid to the seabed, using non-dredging reclamation, and to the protection of the area's Chinese white dolphins.
 
     The West Kowloon Terminus of the Express Rail Link, similar in size to the airport passenger terminal at Chek Lap Kok, is one of the world’s largest underground stations. A modern architectural marvel boasting 15 platform tracks, it was constructed some 25 metres underground in a site surrounded by high-rise buildings and live railway tracks.
 
     The construction of the Central – Wan Chai Bypass was another wonder brought to brilliant life by our engineers. The construction work was carried out in the busiest area of Hong Kong. Excavation was done underneath the 47-year old Cross Harbour Tunnel without affecting traffic and within the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter using temporary reclamation. All of it was accomplished with professionalism, meticulous project planning and precise execution.
 
     Home is where the heart is, and I am grateful that Institution members are deeply involved in tackling, and realising, some of Hong Kong's most complex projects.
 
     And we're just getting going, ladies and gentlemen. In the coming few years, we expect that annual public works expenditure will exceed $100 billion. Construction volume, including both the private and public sectors, is expected to increase to over $300 billion a year.
 
     The Lantau Tomorrow Vision will be central to that future. Aside from providing an ample supply of land, Lantau Tomorrow will demand the construction of strategic roads and railways, and the efficiency of the traffic network in the northwest New Territories and Hong Kong will be boosted as a whole.
 
     And then there's the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Outline Development Plan for which was announced just last month. The plan identifies Hong Kong, together with Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Macao as the four core cities and the Greater Bay Area's development engines.
 
     The Bay Area plan reaffirms Hong Kong's status as an international financial, transportation and trade centre. It supports, as well, our status as an international aviation hub and our determination to rise as an international centre for innovation and technology, as well as high-end and high-value-added professional services. In short, it creates boundless opportunities for Hong Kong.
 
     Challenges will be there too. The Government will continue to work with our counterparts to seek policy breakthroughs to overcome those challenges, including liberalisation measures for Hong Kong professional services.
 
     At home, there are other concerns, including soaring construction costs, declining productivity and a dwindling labour force. Recently, some mega project incidents have aroused public concern about the quality of works and tarnished the reputation of the construction industry. The industry must endeavour to enhance the public's confidence in them.
 
     In this regard, the Government will lead the construction industry to implement Construction 2.0 for improving the productivity, quality, safety and environmental performance of the industry by advocating innovation, professionalisation and revitalisation.
 
     Firstly, on innovation. The Government believes innovation and technology is the way forward in improving productivity, safety and construction quality.
 
     We are committed to helping this essential transformation of our construction industry. Last October, we launched a $1 billion Construction Innovation and Technology Fund. It supports the industry in using building information modelling technology, modular integrated construction and other innovative applications.
 
     The Fund also provides financial support for tertiary students and industry practitioners looking to receive training on the latest construction technologies. I urge you to make good use of the Fund and the opportunities it provides you, your business and your industry.
 
     Secondly, on professionalisation. In this year's Budget, I have announced a number of measures to enhance the monitoring of public works projects.
 
     We will promote digitisation of the supervision system to enhance the standard and efficiency of works supervision. Pilot projects will be launched to motivate site supervisors and contractors to use innovative technology to collect real-time data on site environment and works progress for record, monitoring and analysis purposes.
 
     We will upgrade the Project Cost Management Office and rename it as the Project Strategy and Governance Office for implementing strategic initiatives and enhancing capabilities in cost surveillance and project governance.
 
     We are also gearing up for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders to equip public officers with more innovative minds and enhanced leadership skills for delivering public works projects.
 
     Thirdly, on revitalising the industry. I have set aside $200 million to expand the apprenticeship scheme for the construction industry to cover more trades with manpower shortage, and increase the allowances for new trainees pursuing one-year full-time programmes and for in-service workers to pursue continuing education.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, Government efforts aside, the industry must also take proactive actions to enhance its project management as well as commitment to professionalism, which have long been regarded as distinct competitive advantages of Hong Kong.
 
     I look forward to the continuing support of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in realising the long-term promise of Hong Kong, and to strengthen and maintain Hong Kong's established regional leadership position in construction. Together, we will excel: today, tomorrow and long into the future.
 
     I wish you all a memorable evening. And the best of business in this promising Year of the Pig.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, allow me now to propose a toast: to the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and to each and every one of you. Long may you prosper.
 
     Cheers!

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited the MiC (Modular Integrated Construction) Display Centre at the Zero Carbon Building complex in Kowloon Bay this afternoon (March 15).

     Mrs Lam was briefed by the Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, Mr Chan Ka-kui, and other representatives of the Construction Industry Council on MiC and the design and construction process of the display centre. She then toured various sample show flats in the centre. The two-storey display centre, with a gross floor area of more than 3,000 square feet, was the first building constructed with MiC modules. With the concept of "factory assembly followed by on-site installation", each module, with internal partitioning, plumbing, electrical wiring and interior fittings as well as furniture and electrical appliances, was assembled at off-site prefabrication yards outside Hong Kong before being transported to and installed at the site like building blocks. Consisting of 10 modules, the display centre showcases five sample units including one-bedroom and three-bedroom residential flats, a hostel unit, an elderly home unit and a hotel room to illustrate how the versatile construction technique of MiC is applicable to a number of different building types.

     "I proposed in the Policy Address in 2018 that the construction industry should embrace innovation to increase construction productivity, enhance regulation and quality assurance, improve site safety and reduce environmental impact. By adopting MiC, most of the labour-intensive and time-consuming construction processes can be accomplished in off-site prefabrication yards, meeting the above-mentioned requirements. The technique should be able to be adopted more widely in Hong Kong," Mrs Lam said.

     The Government has been leading by example in piloting the MiC technique in public projects, including the Disciplined Services Quarters for the Fire Services Department at Pak Shing Kok, Tseung Kwan O, and the Wong Chuk Hang student hostel project of the University of Hong Kong.

        

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 15) reported the latest developments in its investigations into a measles case. Those who might have had contact with the patient during the period of communicability are urged to observe if they have developed measles-related symptoms, and to seek medical treatment immediately if such symptoms appear.
 
     The case involves a 23-year-old man with good past health, who developed fever on March 1 and consulted a private doctor on March 3 and March 4. He developed rash on March 4 and sought medical advice on the same day at St Paul's Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment. His blood sample tested positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to measles virus upon laboratory testing. He has been in a stable condition and has already been discharged.
 
     Epidemiological investigations revealed that the patient reported to have received a measles vaccination and did not have contact with measles patients during the incubation period. He travelled to Cebu in the Philippines and Tokyo in Japan during the period of communicability. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far and have been put under medical surveillance.
 
     A CHP spokesman said that, upon notification of the case, the CHP immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and conducted relevant contact tracing, including the crew members and passengers of the relevant cabins of four concerned flights, as well as people in the private clinic and private hospital which the patient visited. The places the patient visited during the period of communicability are listed in the appendix.
 
     Initial investigations revealed that no contact has shown measles-related symptoms so far. No high risks contacts such as immunocompromised persons, young children aged below one and pregnant women are identified among the contacts. Epidemiological investigations and contact tracing are ongoing. 
 
     The CHP has notified Japan and the Philippines health authorities of the case.
 
     The spokesman explained that measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the measles virus. It can be transmitted by airborne droplets spread or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons, and, less commonly, by articles soiled with nose and throat secretions. A patient can pass the disease to other persons from four days before to four days after the appearance of skin rash.
 
     The spokesman reminded the public that the incubation period of measles ranges from 7 days to up to 21 days. Contacts who are not immune to measles may develop relevant symptoms, such as fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes in the incubation period. They should observe if they develop such symptoms in the period. If symptoms arise, they should wear surgical masks, stop going to work or school and avoid going to crowded place. They should also avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially persons with weakened immunity, pregnant women and children aged below one. Those suspected to have infected are advised to seek medical attention as early as possible and reveal relevant contact history of measles to healthcare professionals.
 
     In Hong Kong, children are given the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 1 year old, followed by a second dose at Primary One under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme. The coverage of MMR vaccination in Hong Kong is over 95 per cent at Primary One.
 
     Hong Kong achieved measles elimination in 2016 and the annual reported number of measles cases has remained at a very low level in the past few years. However, measles remains endemic in many places around the world and the incidence levels in these places are much higher than that of Hong Kong.
 
     Recently, the CHP noted that many countries in the world are experiencing a resurgence of measles with outbreaks reported, including countries in Europe and in South East Asia. Travellers should pay attention to the risk of measles. For outbreak news of the affected areas, please refer to the website of DH's Travel Health Service. 
 
     "Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Members of the public who are planning to travel to places with high incidence or outbreaks of measles should review their vaccination history and past medical history, especially people born outside Hong Kong who might not have received measles vaccination during childhood. The history of measles vaccination in Hong Kong is available in the CHP's measles thematic page. Those who have not received two doses of measles-containing vaccines, with unknown vaccination history or unknown immunity against measles are urged to consult their doctor for advice on vaccination at least two weeks before departure," the spokesman said.
 
     "Pregnant women and women preparing for pregnancy who are not immune to measles as well as children aged under 1 year who are not due for the first dose of the MMR combined vaccine under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme are advised not to travel to places with outbreaks of measles," the spokesman added.
 
     Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:
 
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
* Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
* Clean used toys and furniture properly; and
* Persons with measles should be kept out of school till four days from the appearance of rash to prevent spread of the infection to non-immune persons in school.
 
     For more information on measles, the public may call the 24-hour health education hotline 2833 0111 or visit the CHP's measles thematic page.