Grand spectacle: Chief Executive Donald Tsang looks out over the venue of the World Expo Shanghai 2010 from the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination building's top floor.

The appointment of under secretaries was made based on their competence and capabilities in full compliance with the Basic Law, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, adding the mini-constitution does not have nationality restrictions on these people.

In Shanghai today Mr Tsang told the media the Basic Law's right-of-abode requirements apply only to a small number of principal officials of the Government and the Judiciary.

He noted if only those without overseas abode rights could be chosen, the aim of absorbing talented people and grooming more political hopefuls will not be achieved.

It is also inappropriate to ask them to forsake their right of abode through administrative means, Mr Tsang said, adding it is up to them as individuals to decide whether to do so.

On the pay issue, Mr Tsang said the Government will not release their individual pay to avoid unnecessary comparison and the disclosure of personal information. Such an arrangement is also adopted by private firms and overseas governments.

He noted their pay levels are determined according to their experience, qualification and remuneration of their existing jobs, stressing these under secretaries are enthusiastic to serve the community.

On the distribution of the eight under secretaries at each of the specified salary points, four under secretaries will receive a monthly remuneration of $208,680 each and the other four $223,585, representing 70% and 75% of the remuneration for a bureau director.

For the nine political assistants, seven will get $134,150 a month - or 45% of the remuneration for a bureau director. One will receive $149,055 and the other $163,960, representing 50% and 55% of a bureau director's remuneration.

During his Shanghai trip, Mr Tsang has met the municipal government's party secretary Yu Zhengsheng and mayor Han Zheng, hoping to enhance understanding and co-operation of the two jurisdictions.

He was also briefed on Shanghai's preparations for the 2010 World Expo and visited a centre for creative industries.