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Hong Kong Expo events announced as countdown clock unveiled (with photos/video)
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     Hong Kong will present a rich selection of cultural and other events in Shanghai this year for World Expo.

     Hong Kong's events programme was announced today (February 2) following the unveiling of a countdown clock at Tsim Sha Tsui to mark the 88-day countdown to the start of Expo on May 1.

     The unveiling of the clock was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination.

     Officiating at the unveiling were the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, and Mr Wang Jinzhen, a Member of the Organizing Committee for World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

     At a press conference after the unveiling ceremony, Mr Lam provided an overview of events and activities planned by Hong Kong for Shanghai Expo.

     He said different themes would be adopted for each month during the six-month Expo period to promote Hong Kong as a  "Green City", a  "Destination City", a "Cultural City", a "Creative City" and a city upholding the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

     Over 50 events and activities are under planning to promote Hong Kong's connectivity, creativity and attractions to audiences in the Mainland and around the world.

     The event calendar features a rich variety of activities including ceremonial events, seminars, forums, exhibitions and a strong cultural and performing arts programme.

     The government attaches great importance to the programme mix. An inter-departmental Task Group on Expo Promotion and Events has been formed to co-ordinate planning and implementation, including community participation and the involvement of key stakeholders such as the creative industry and performing arts sectors.
 
     On the cultural front, over 45 performances will be staged at the Expo site and at other prominent performing arts venues in Shanghai to highlight and promote the diversity and creativity of talented Hong Kong artists.

     Programming embraces a variety of art forms ranging from Cantonese opera, Chinese and western music, dance, drama, opera, music theatre to multi-media performances.

     There will be two visual art exhibitions - "Legacy and Creations-Power of Ink" and "Legacy and Creations-Art vs Art".

     From May, the government will work with public organisations, professional groups, academic institutions and business associations to roll out a series of exhibitions and thematic programmes at Expo venues and high¡Vtraffic areas in Shanghai to showcase Hong Kong's strengths and advantages in areas such as green living, tourism, financial services, legal services and creative industries.
 
     The highlight of Hong Kong¡¦s participation will be the five-day "Hong Kong Week" from October 18 to 22.

     The programme menu includes a parade as well as performances reflecting Hong Kong as a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures.  Other high profile events lined up include a Style Hong Kong Show of Hong Kong brands, and film shows.

     Also present at the press conference today were Mr Wang; the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Joshua Law; Director of Information Services, Mr Michael Wong;  Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung; and Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Alan Siu.

     Hong Kong¡¦s Expo involvement covers four aspects: constructing and operating a stand-alone pavilion under the theme of "Hong Kong - A City with Unlimited Potential" to showcase the infinite imagination and creativity of Hong Kong and its people; an Urban Best Practices Area Exhibition (UBPA) with "Smart Card¡ESmart City¡ESmart Life" as the theme; a series of activities and performances inside and outside the Expo site; a "virtual pavilion" as well as a "virtual UBPA exhibition" for the Expo Shanghai Online project to provide netizens with a realistic, virtual experience of Hong Kong's participation.

     Hong Kong's participation in Shanghai Expo will help promote the city as a modern, vibrant and interconnected metropolis with high quality city life built on creativity and innovation.  

     It will also provide Hong Kong with a platform to promote its image and business opportunities within China and to the world community.

     Shanghai Expo will be held from May 1 to October 31. More than 240 countries, cities and international organisations including Hong Kong will participate in the mega event, which is expected to attract 70 million visitors from the Mainland and worldwide.

Ends/Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:53

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