Chief Executive Donald Tsang today officiated at the opening of the Hong Kong Pavilion and Hong Kong's Urban Best Practices Area Exhibition at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

"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," he said at the ceremony.

Grand opening: Chief Executive Donald Tsang and other officials open the HK Pavilion. He then thanked its staff for their hard work before visiting the Macau Pavilion.

He said visitors from around the world will visit both exhibitions at the Expo Park, or visit Hong Kong's virtual pavilion and virtual Urban Best Practices Area exhibition online over the next six months.

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

"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."

Mr Tsang said the concept, design, preparation and implementation of the expo project has involved a wide range of people and groups, from designers and architects, to government bureaus 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," he said.

The revitalised Brand Hong Kong is also on display at the expo, showing the five core values it represents - free, enterprising, excellence, innovative and quality living.

"We will show the world Hong Kong is an open and tolerant modern metropolis with great potential and opportunities for future development," Mr Tsang said.