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CE officiates at opening of Hong Kong exhibitions at Shanghai Expo (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has today (May 1) officiated at the opening of the Hong Kong Pavilion and Hong Kong's Urban Best Practices Area (UBPA) Exhibition at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo).

     Other officials present at the ceremony in front of the Hong Kong Pavilion were Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang; Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam; Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau; Director, Chief Executive's Office, Mr Raymond Tam; Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Joshua Law; Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing) (designate), Mr Duncan Pescod; Director of Information Services, Mr Michael Wong; Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung; Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Marigold Lau; and Commissioner, HKSAR Expo Affairs Office, Mr Patrick Chan.

     Mr Tsang said, "I cannot help but marvel at the grand design of the China Pavilion and other pavilions.

     "At the same time I have the honour of officiating at the opening of the Hong Kong Pavilion and to experience Hong Kong's full commitment to this international event."

     Mr Tsang said that several days ago he had visited the Hong Kong Pavilion and Hong Kong's UBPA Exhibition on the Puxi side of the Expo Park.

     He could see then that the two exhibitions were already well prepared for today's opening.  

     "The concept, design, preparation and implementation of this project have involved a wide range of people and groups, from designers and architects, to government bureaux and departments, construction and management companies, and sponsors. Everyone involved has put their hearts, minds and precious time into this project.

     "For their dedication and contribution, I offer my heartfelt thanks."

     The Chief Executive said that over the next six months, friends from all over the world would be able to visit Hong Kong's exhibitions at the Expo Park, or visit Hong Kong's virtual pavilion and virtual UBPA exhibition online.

     "It is also my hope that people from all sectors in Hong Kong will be able to benefit from visits to various pavilions, and by participating in Expo-related activities," he said.

     "Through exchanges with participants from other places, we will be able to expand our horizons, enhance ourselves and pave the way for better development in future.

     "From now until the end of October, staff manning our two exhibition venues will courteously host visitors every day.

     "We will also organise a wide range of promotions, exchanges and cultural performances inside the Expo Park, as well as other places in Shanghai, to promote the various facets of Hong Kong."

     After his speech, Mr Tsang cut a ribbon and then proceeded to the Pavilion's mid-level, where he used an interactive video portal connected to Hong Kong's UBPA Exhibition to officially declare open Hong Kong's two exhibitions at Expo.
 
     The Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Alan Siu, happily acknowledged Mr Tsang's announcement from the portal at the UBPA exhibition.

     Prior to leaving the Pavilion, Mr Tsang shook hands with the Pavilion assistants and encouraged them to provide the top service that would leave visitors with a positive impression of Hong Kong.

     Mr Tsang then visited the Macau Pavilion, which sits adjacent to the Hong Kong Pavilion.   

     The Shanghai Expo opened today and will last until October 31.

     More than 240 countries, cities and international organisations are taking part in the Expo, which is expected to attract 70 million visitors from the Mainland and worldwide.

     For more details on Hong Kong's participation in the Shanghai Expo, please visit www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.

Ends/Saturday, May 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:30

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