The Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, will leave for Barcelona on October 26 to lead a Hong Kong delegation to attend the World Sustainable Building 2014 Conference (WSB14).
While attending the WSB14, Mr Chan will officiate at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong booth in the conference and, during the plenary session, deliver a keynote speech entitled "Is sustainability still possible? The role of the building sector".
The WSB14 aims to provide a platform on a global level where governments, international institutions and experts will meet and have in-depth discussions and exchanges on the latest developments and challenges in regard to sustainable buildings.
The Hong Kong delegation attending the WSB14 will comprise more than 100 members, including officials from the Development Bureau and works departments; the Under Secretary for the Environment, Ms Christine Loh; and representatives from the Construction Industry Council, the Hong Kong Green Building Council, professional institutions and the construction industry.
Accompanying Mr Chan on the visit will be the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Wai Chi-sing; the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Hon Chi-keung; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Leung Koon-kee; the Director of Buildings, Mr Hui Siu-wai; the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Daniel Chung; the Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Alfred Sit; the Head of the Energizing Kowloon East Office, Ms Brenda Au; and the Assistant Director of Highways, Mr Chui Wing-wah.
During his stay in Barcelona, Mr Chan will also meet with officials of the Barcelona City Council and Barcelona Regional to learn more about the city's work in urban planning and development. He will also visit several urban transformation and infrastructure projects, including the Marina Port Forum, the 22@Barcelona district and the Barcelona Sea Water Desalination Plant, the largest plant in Europe.
Mr Chan will start his visit in Paris on October 30 to learn more about the city's urban planning, sustainable building initiatives and infrastructural developments. While in Paris, he will meet with French government officials; representatives from the Ville10D project, which aims to promote the use of underground space for sustainable urban development; and Syndicat Interdépartemental pour l'Assainissement, the wastewater authority for the greater Paris area, to discuss utilisation of underground space.
During his visit, Mr Chan will also call on the Chinese Consul-General in Barcelona, Mr Qu Shengwu, and the Chinese Ambassador to France, Mr Zhai Jun.
Mr Chan will leave for Barcelona on October 26 and return to Hong Kong on November 1. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr Eric Ma, will act as Secretary for Development.
Ends/Friday, October 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:00
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